Hadith #5437

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنِ اشْتاقَ سَلا۔" which translates to

One who longs [for Allah] forgets [this world].

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative power of yearning for Allah and the consequences it has on our attachment to the material world.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (ishtaqa) "اشْتَاقَ" is derived from the root word (shawq) "شَوْق", which means a deep longing or yearning. It is a state of intense desire and love for something or someone. In this context, it refers to the longing for Allah, the ultimate source of peace and fulfillment.

The word (sala) "سَلا۔" is derived from the root word (sala) "سَلَا", which means to forget or neglect. It implies that when one's heart is filled with a genuine longing for Allah, the attachment to the material world diminishes. The distractions and allure of this worldly life lose their grip on the individual, as their focus and priority shift towards seeking closeness to Allah.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152:

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah and seeking His presence in our hearts. When we long for Allah, our hearts are filled with His remembrance, and this remembrance becomes a shield against the distractions of the world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Adiyat, verse 19, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, mankind was created anxious.

This verse highlights the inherent restlessness and dissatisfaction that humans experience in this worldly life. However, when we direct our longing towards Allah, we find solace and tranquility. The yearning for Allah becomes a means to overcome the anxieties and worries of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and seek closeness to Allah. When we genuinely long for Allah, our hearts become detached from the materialistic pursuits and the temporary pleasures of this world. Our focus shifts towards fulfilling the purpose of our existence and seeking eternal bliss in the hereafter.

This longing for Allah is not merely an abstract concept but has practical implications in our daily lives. When we long for Allah, we strive to embody His attributes of mercy, compassion, and justice. We become more conscious of our actions and their consequences. Our choices are guided by the desire to please Allah and attain His pleasure. This longing becomes a driving force for self-improvement and moral excellence.

Moreover, this longing for Allah also motivates us to seek knowledge and understanding of His guidance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. When we long for Allah, we are driven to explore the depths of His revelation and seek guidance from the Quran. This knowledge becomes a means to strengthen our connection with Allah and navigate the challenges of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transformative power of longing for Allah. When our hearts are filled with a genuine yearning for Him, the attachment to the material world diminishes, and we find solace and fulfillment in seeking His presence. This longing becomes a driving force for self-improvement, moral excellence, and seeking knowledge. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate a sincere longing for Him and detach ourselves from the distractions of this world.