Hadith #5438

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

The Arabic phrase in the provided Hadith is "مَنِ اشْتاقَ أدْلَجَ". Let us delve into the meaning of these words to gain a deeper understanding of the message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The word "اشْتاقَ" is derived from the root word "شَوْق" which means "longing" or "yearning". It signifies a deep and intense desire for something or someone. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the longing for Allah, the ultimate source of peace and fulfillment.

The word "أدْلَجَ" is derived from the root word "دَلَجَ" which means "to set out" or

to embark upon a journey

It implies taking action and making an effort to attain the object of one's longing. In this Hadith, it signifies the proactive steps one takes to draw closer to Allah.

To further elucidate the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186):

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.

This verse emphasizes the closeness of Allah to His servants and His readiness to respond to their prayers. It highlights the importance of sincere supplication and the need for believers to actively seek a connection with their Creator. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this sentiment by emphasizing the significance of longing for Allah and embarking upon the journey towards Him.

When a person experiences a deep longing for Allah, it ignites a fire within their heart, compelling them to seek His pleasure and guidance. This longing becomes a driving force that motivates individuals to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking knowledge. It inspires them to strive for self-improvement and to purify their souls.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us that the journey towards Allah is not limited to a specific time or place. It signifies that the longing for Allah should be constant and persistent, regardless of the circumstances. Just as nightfall marks the end of the day and the beginning of darkness, the longing for Allah should be unwavering and ever-present in our hearts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and spirituality, encourages us to cultivate a deep yearning for Allah. He teaches us that this longing should not be passive but should drive us to take action and embark upon the journey towards our Creator. It is through this journey that we can attain true peace, fulfillment, and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of longing for Allah and actively seeking His nearness. It urges us to embark upon the journey towards Him, just as one sets out at nightfall. By doing so, we can experience the profound joy and tranquility that comes from being in the presence of our Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate a deep longing for Him and guide us on this journey towards His pleasure.