Hadith #1740

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the stark contrast between the seekers of Paradise and the fleeers from Hellfire. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (naam) "نام" in Arabic means to sleep or be in slumber. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses this metaphor to emphasize the lack of awareness and urgency among those who seek Paradise and those who flee from Hellfire. He compares the seekers of Paradise to those who are in a state of slumber, unaware of the immense rewards and blessings that await them. Similarly, he compares the fleeers from Hellfire to those who are also in a state of slumber, oblivious to the severe consequences and torment that await them.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. It reminds us that the true compensation and reward for our deeds will be granted on the Day of Resurrection. Those who are saved from the punishment of Hellfire and granted entry into Paradise have truly achieved their ultimate desire and success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a wake-up call for us as Muslims. They remind us not to be complacent in our pursuit of Paradise and to be vigilant in avoiding the path that leads to Hellfire. Just as a person who is in deep slumber is unaware of their surroundings, those who seek Paradise must be fully awake and conscious of their actions, constantly striving to please Allah and earn His mercy.

Similarly, those who flee from Hellfire must be fully aware of the consequences of their actions and the severity of the punishment that awaits them. They must actively distance themselves from sinful behaviors and seek repentance and forgiveness from Allah. Just as a person who is in deep slumber is unaware of the danger around them, those who flee from Hellfire must be fully awake and conscious of the choices they make, striving to avoid anything that may lead them astray.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:36-37):

Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs, accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.

These verses highlight the reward of the righteous in Paradise, where they will be surrounded by blessings and eternal bliss. The seekers of Paradise, who are described as "doers of good," are those who actively strive to please Allah and fulfill their obligations as Muslims. They are not in a state of slumber but are fully awake and conscious of their actions, constantly seeking to improve themselves and earn the pleasure of Allah.

On the other hand, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:43-44):

Indeed, the Day the convulsion will convulse, and the second blow will follow it. Hearts, that Day, will be trembling, their eyes humbled.

These verses depict the terrifying scene on the Day of Judgment when people will be in a state of panic and fear. The fleeers from Hellfire, who are described as having "trembling hearts" and "humbled eyes," are those who were heedless in this world and failed to take the necessary precautions to avoid the punishment of Hellfire. They were in a state of slumber, unaware of the consequences of their actions, and now they face the terrifying reality of their choices.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be fully awake and conscious in their pursuit of Paradise and to actively distance themselves from the path that leads to Hellfire. It urges us to be aware of the consequences of our actions and to strive for righteousness and obedience to Allah. May we all be among those who are fully awake and conscious, seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for eternal success in the Hereafter.