إنَّ اللّهَ سُبْحانَهُ يُحِبُّ أنْ تَكُونَ نِيَّةُ الإنْسانِ لِلنّاسِ جَمِيلَةً، كَما يُحِبُّ أنْ تَكُونَ نِيَّتُهُ في طاعَتِهِ قَوِيَّةً غَيْرَ مَدْخُولَة۔
Verily Allah, the Glorified, likes a person’s intention towards the people to be good just as He likes his intention in His obedience to be strong, not shaky.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Intention)
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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having good intentions towards others and being steadfast in our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.
The word (niyyah) "نِيَّةُ" in Arabic refers to one's intention or motive behind an action. It is the driving force that determines the righteousness and sincerity of our deeds. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of having a beautiful intention towards others. This means that our intentions should be pure, selfless, and aimed at benefiting and serving humanity as a whole.
To support this concept, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of good intentions and actions towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
This verse highlights the importance of knowing and understanding one another, regardless of our differences in race, ethnicity, or social status. It encourages us to have good intentions towards all people, treating them with kindness, respect, and fairness. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.
Furthermore, the Hadith also emphasizes the importance of having a strong intention in our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (qawiyyah) "قَوِيَّةً" in Arabic means strong or firm. It implies that our intention in obeying Allah should be unwavering, resolute, and not easily influenced or shaken by external factors.
In Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:
And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you
Muslims
before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people.
This verse highlights the importance of striving and exerting effort in our obedience to Allah. It reminds us that our intention should be strong and unwavering, as we strive to follow the path of Islam. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he encourages us to have a strong intention in our obedience to Allah.
The consequences of having good intentions towards others and a strong intention in our obedience to Allah are profound. When our intentions are pure and selfless, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls. By treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness, we create a harmonious and just society.
Moreover, having a strong intention in our obedience to Allah enables us to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. It strengthens our connection with Allah and helps us navigate through the trials and tribulations of life. It is through this unwavering intention that we can attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of having good intentions towards others and a strong intention in our obedience to Allah. It encourages us to strive for righteousness, treat others with kindness, and remain steadfast in our faith. By embodying these teachings, we can fulfill our purpose as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with beautiful intentions and strengthen our resolve in His obedience.
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