Hadith #4457

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

في رِضَا اللّهِ غايَةُ المَطْلُوبِ۔

This can be translated as,

The highest goal is in [attaining] the pleasure of Allah.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, it is important to understand the key words in this Hadith. "رِضَا اللّهِ" refers to the pleasure or satisfaction of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word "غايَةُ" means the ultimate goal or objective, while "المَطْلُوبِ" refers to what is sought or desired.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking His pleasure in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:207), Allah says,

And among the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants.

In Surah Al-Tawbah (9:72), Allah describes the ultimate reward for those who strive to attain His pleasure, saying,

Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.

From these verses, we can understand that seeking the pleasure of Allah is the ultimate goal for every Muslim. It surpasses any worldly desires or ambitions. The pleasure of Allah should be the driving force behind all our actions, decisions, and intentions.

When we prioritize the pleasure of Allah in our lives, it has profound consequences. It shapes our character, actions, and relationships. For example, if we prioritize the pleasure of Allah in our interactions with others, we will strive to be just, kind, and compassionate. We will avoid backbiting, lying, and any form of harm. This not only benefits our own spiritual growth but also contributes to a harmonious society.

Furthermore, seeking the pleasure of Allah motivates us to constantly improve ourselves. We become conscious of our intentions and actions, striving to align them with the teachings of Islam. This leads to personal growth and a deeper connection with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. His emphasis on the pleasure of Allah as the highest goal reflects his deep insight into the teachings of the Quran. He exemplified this in his own life, dedicating himself entirely to the service of Allah and the betterment of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the ultimate goal in life is to seek the pleasure of Allah. This requires prioritizing His pleasure above all worldly desires and ambitions. By doing so, we shape our character, actions, and relationships in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all to strive for His pleasure and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.