Hadith #1749

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الجنة مَآلُ الفائِزِ" which translates to

Paradise is the returning place of the victorious.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep spiritual and moral significance for Muslims.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (al-Jannah) "الجنة" refers to Paradise, the eternal abode of bliss and reward promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to the righteous believers. (ma'al) "مَآلُ" means the place or destination, and (al-fa'iz) "الفائِزِ" refers to the victorious or successful ones.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life and highlights the ultimate reward that awaits the believers in the Hereafter. It reminds us that true success lies in attaining Paradise, the eternal abode of bliss, and escaping the torment of Hellfire. The phrase "returning place" in the Hadith signifies that Paradise is the final destination and the ultimate goal for the believers.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of victory and success in the context of Paradise is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse encourages believers to strive and compete in performing righteous deeds and seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes that Paradise is a reward for those who have faith in Allah and His messengers and who actively pursue righteousness. The mention of the vastness of Paradise in this verse highlights the magnitude of the reward awaiting the successful believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that true victory lies in attaining Paradise. It encourages believers to strive for righteousness, seek forgiveness, and perform good deeds in order to secure their place in Paradise. The concept of victory here goes beyond worldly achievements and material success, focusing instead on the ultimate success in the Hereafter.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, Muslims are reminded of the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the pursuit of Paradise. It motivates us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and live a righteous life in order to attain success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal abode of bliss.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be among the victorious ones who are granted entry into Paradise. May He guide us to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and may He shower His mercy and blessings upon us all.