Hadith #1766

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) states,

One who yearns for Paradise forgets his [worldly] desires.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ishtaqa) "اشْتاقَ", which means to yearn, long for, or desire intensely. It signifies a deep longing and craving for something. In this context, it refers to the yearning for Paradise, the ultimate abode of eternal bliss and reward.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the desire for Paradise over worldly desires. This does not imply that one should completely abandon worldly responsibilities or pleasures, but rather emphasizes the need to prioritize and align our desires with the pursuit of eternal success.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this concept. 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 reminds us that the true compensation and fulfillment of our desires will be granted in the Hereafter. The worldly life is temporary and fleeting, filled with illusions and distractions. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize our yearning for Paradise, as it is the ultimate destination where our desires will be fulfilled in the most perfect and everlasting manner.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the need to invoke Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with both fear and aspiration. While fear keeps us away from sinful desires and actions, aspiration directs us towards the pursuit of Paradise. By yearning for Paradise and striving to attain it, we align ourselves with the path of righteousness and goodness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our desires should be in line with our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise. When we yearn for Paradise, we naturally distance ourselves from worldly temptations and distractions. This yearning motivates us to prioritize acts of worship, righteousness, and self-discipline, as they are the means to attain eternal success.

For example, if one desires material wealth, they may engage in unethical practices or become consumed by greed. However, when the desire for Paradise becomes the primary focus, one will strive to earn wealth through lawful means, give in charity, and use their wealth to benefit others. The yearning for Paradise transforms their desires and actions, leading to a life of piety and righteousness.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our desires. Worldly desires often lead to temporary satisfaction, but they can also lead to negative consequences such as greed, envy, and injustice. On the other hand, the yearning for Paradise leads to everlasting rewards and blessings, both in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing our desires and aligning them with the pursuit of Paradise. By yearning for Paradise, we distance ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on actions that lead to eternal success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to prioritize our desires in accordance with His pleasure and guide us on the path to Paradise.