Hadith #4465

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.

In this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the gravity of seeking the pleasure of the creation while angering the Creator. Let us delve into the words of this hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this hadith are (wrongdoing) "وِزْرَ", (pleasure) "رِضَى", (creation) "مَخْلُوقِينَ", and (anger) "سَخَطِ". The word "وِزْرَ" refers to a sin or a wrongdoing, indicating the severity of the action being described. "رِضَى" signifies seeking the pleasure or approval of someone, while "مَخْلُوقِينَ" refers to the creation, encompassing all human beings and other creatures. Lastly, "سَخَطِ" denotes the anger or displeasure of the Creator, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His pleasure and avoiding His anger. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2: 195)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters

This verse highlights the need to prioritize seeking the pleasure of Allah over the pleasure of the creation. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be the Hereafter, and we should not be consumed by worldly desires that lead to corruption. Seeking the pleasure of the creation at the expense of displeasing the Creator is a grave wrongdoing, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) has stated.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3: 31)

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 emphasizes the importance of following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in order to attain the love and forgiveness of Allah. Seeking the pleasure of the creation by going against the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) not only angers the Creator but also distances us from His mercy and forgiveness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pleasure of Allah over the approval of others. It highlights the consequences of seeking validation from the creation while disregarding the commands and teachings of the Creator. Such actions lead to spiritual harm, distance from Allah's mercy, and the potential for eternal punishment.

Reflecting on this hadith, we should strive to align our actions and intentions with the pleasure of Allah. We should seek His approval in all aspects of our lives, knowing that the pleasure of the creation is fleeting and insignificant compared to the eternal pleasure of the Creator. May Allah guide us to always prioritize His pleasure and protect us from the wrongdoing of seeking the pleasure of the creation at the expense of His anger.