Hadith #4481

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ رَغِبَ فيما عِندَاللّهِ بَلَغَ آمالَهُ۔

This can be translated as:

One who desires that which is with Allah attains his hopes.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for the rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" means to desire or to long for something. It signifies a strong and sincere yearning for a particular outcome or reward. The word (indallah) "عِندَاللّهِ" means with Allah or in the presence of Allah. It refers to the rewards, blessings, and mercy that Allah has prepared for His righteous servants. Finally, the word (amalah) "آمالَهُ" means hopes or aspirations. It represents the goals and dreams that a person seeks to achieve.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Najm (53:39-40):

That to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. And how many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except [only] after Allah has permitted [it] to whom He wills and approves.

These verses remind us that the ultimate reward and judgment lies with Allah alone. No one can intercede on behalf of another without Allah's permission.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's help and guidance in all our endeavors. It is through His support and authority that we can attain our hopes and aspirations.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that true success lies in desiring and striving for the rewards that await us with Allah. This desire should be rooted in sincerity and a deep understanding of the Hereafter. When we align our goals and aspirations with the pleasure of Allah, we can be assured that our hopes will be fulfilled.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. It reminds us to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for righteousness in order to attain the ultimate reward in the Hereafter. By focusing on what is with Allah, we can find solace and contentment in this world and the next.

The consequences of adopting the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When Muslims sincerely desire what is with Allah, they are motivated to lead a life of piety, righteousness, and obedience to His commands. This leads to a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and tranquility in their hearts. They are driven to seek knowledge, perform acts of charity, and engage in acts of worship, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded by Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that those who sincerely desire the rewards that await them with Allah will attain their hopes. By aligning our goals and aspirations with the pleasure of Allah, we can find true success and fulfillment in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to desire what is with Him and bless us with the strength to strive for it.