Hadith #8816

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities and actions of a blessed individual. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the words

Blessed is the one

or "Tuba" in Arabic. This word signifies a state of immense happiness, contentment, and divine favor. It is a state that is achieved by those who possess certain qualities and perform specific actions.

The first quality mentioned is

fearing the punishment [of the Hereafter].

This refers to a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of the consequences of one's actions in the afterlife. It is the fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the desire to avoid His punishment. The Quran supports this concept in multiple verses, such as in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), where Allah says,

And fear Allah. And know that Allah is severe in penalty.

The second quality mentioned is

working for the Reckoning.

This implies being diligent in performing good deeds and striving to accumulate righteous actions for the Day of Judgment. It is the recognition that every action will be accounted for and that one must prepare for the ultimate Reckoning. The Quran emphasizes this in Surah Al-Infitar (82:9-10), where Allah says,

But as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account and return to his people in happiness.

The third quality mentioned is "espousing continence." This refers to practicing self-restraint and moderation in all aspects of life. It encompasses controlling one's desires and avoiding excess in worldly pleasures. The Quran encourages this virtue in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), where Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

The fourth quality mentioned is

being content with what suffices [him].

This highlights the importance of being satisfied with what Allah has provided and not constantly seeking more material possessions. It is the recognition that true contentment lies in being grateful for what one has. The Quran beautifully captures this sentiment in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), where Allah says,

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

The final quality mentioned is

being pleased with [the decree of] Allah, the Glorified.

This signifies accepting and submitting to the divine decree, even in times of hardship and adversity. It is the understanding that Allah's wisdom surpasses human comprehension, and His plans are ultimately for the best. The Quran reinforces this concept in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), where Allah says,

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims, regardless of their sect. It encapsulates the essence of piety, accountability, self-control, gratitude, and trust in Allah's decree. By embodying these qualities and practicing these actions, Muslims can attain a state of true blessedness and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fear His punishment, work for the Reckoning, espouse continence, be content with what suffices us, and be pleased with His decree. May He bless us with His mercy and guide us on the straight path. Ameen.