Hadith #9577

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

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

One who loves to meet Allah, the Glorified, forgets this world.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (loves) "أحَبَّ" and (to meet) "لِقاءَ". The word "أحَبَّ" signifies a deep and intense love, a love that surpasses all worldly attachments. It implies a love that is directed solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most High, and a desire to be in His presence. The word "لِقاءَ" refers to the meeting or encounter with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes that true believers have a love for Allah that surpasses any other love. Their love for Allah is all-encompassing and transcends the love for anything or anyone else.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of loving Allah and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in order to attain Allah's love and forgiveness. It emphasizes that true love for Allah is manifested through obedience to His commands and following the teachings of His Prophet (ﷺ).

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who loves to meet Allah forgets this world, he is highlighting the detachment from worldly desires and attachments that accompanies a sincere love for Allah. This love for Allah becomes the driving force in a person's life, overshadowing any worldly pursuits or ambitions. It becomes the motivation for seeking closeness to Allah, striving for righteousness, and preparing for the meeting with Him in the Hereafter.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their love for Allah above all else. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. When our hearts are filled with love for Allah, we are able to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the ultimate goal of meeting Him.

The consequences of loving to meet Allah and forgetting this world are manifold. It leads to a life of piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah's commands. It instills a sense of purpose and meaning in our actions, as every deed becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and prepare for the meeting with Him. This love for Allah also serves as a source of comfort and solace during times of hardship and adversity, as we find solace in the knowledge that our ultimate destination is the meeting with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of loving Allah above all else and prioritizing our relationship with Him. It urges us to detach ourselves from the fleeting pleasures of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to love Him sincerely and prepare for the meeting with Him.