Hadith #4834

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

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

Felicity is that which leads [one] to success.

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

The word (السَّعادةُ) "sa'adah" in Arabic refers to happiness, prosperity, and well-being. It encompasses a state of contentment and fulfillment that brings true joy to an individual. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this felicity is not merely temporary or superficial, but rather it is something that leads to lasting success.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do

This verse highlights that true felicity lies in leading a righteous life, as it brings about a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the state of the righteous in Paradise, saying, (Quran 14:23)

And those who believed and did righteous deeds will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein by permission of their Lord; and their greeting therein will be, 'Peace!'

This verse illustrates that true success and felicity are attained by those who believe in Allah and engage in righteous actions, as they will be granted eternal bliss in Paradise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that felicity is not merely a fleeting emotion or momentary pleasure. Rather, it is a state of being that encompasses both happiness in this world and eternal success in the Hereafter. It is achieved by aligning one's actions with the guidance of Allah and striving to fulfill His commands.

For example, a person who seeks felicity in this world may indulge in materialistic pursuits, thinking that wealth, power, and fame will bring them happiness. However, the Quran warns us that these worldly possessions are temporary and fleeting. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris

This verse reminds us that true felicity cannot be found in the pursuit of worldly desires, as they are transient and ultimately lead to disappointment.

In contrast, a person who seeks felicity in accordance with the teachings of Islam focuses on developing a strong relationship with Allah and striving to fulfill His commands. They prioritize acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, and seek to embody the noble qualities taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This individual understands that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for righteousness in all aspects of life.

The consequences of seeking felicity in this manner are profound. Not only does it bring about a sense of inner peace and contentment in this world, but it also leads to eternal success in the Hereafter. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Imran, (Quran 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous

This verse highlights that those who strive for righteousness and seek forgiveness from Allah will be rewarded with a spacious and everlasting paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true felicity is not found in the pursuit of worldly desires, but rather in aligning our actions with the guidance of Allah. It is a state of being that brings about lasting success in both this world and the Hereafter. By seeking righteousness and striving to fulfill the commands of Allah, we can attain true happiness, contentment, and eternal bliss. May Allah guide us all on the path of felicity and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.