Hadith #351

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man talaba shay'an naalahuhu aw ba'dahu.

This Hadith emphasizes the principle that one who seeks something with sincerity and determination will either attain it in its entirety or at least a portion of it. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "talaba" in the Hadith refers to seeking or searching for something. It implies a proactive effort to acquire or obtain a particular goal or desire. This word highlights the importance of taking initiative and making a conscious effort to achieve our aspirations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to strive and seek His blessings in numerous verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance, mercy, and blessings through supplication and sincere prayers. It reminds us that Allah is always ready to respond to our calls if we make the effort to seek Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:77)

And your Lord is the Free of need, the possessor of mercy. If He wills, He can do away with you and give succession after you to whomever He wills, just as He produced you from the descendants of another people.

This verse highlights Allah's power and ability to grant succession and blessings to those who seek His favor. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and blessings in order to attain success and prosperity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that one who seeks something will either obtain it in its entirety or at least a part of it. This implies that even if we do not achieve our desired outcome completely, our efforts will not go in vain. Allah appreciates and rewards our sincere efforts, even if the results may not be exactly as we had hoped for.

In Surah Al-Insan, Allah says, (Quran 76:22)

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah acknowledges and values our efforts. It assures us that our sincere endeavors will not be wasted, and we will be rewarded accordingly. Therefore, even if we do not achieve our goals entirely, we can take solace in the fact that our efforts have not been in vain.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to have a positive outlook and to remain steadfast in our pursuit of our goals. It reminds us that success is not always measured by the final outcome, but also by the progress we make along the way. Our determination, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges are all part of the journey towards achieving our aspirations.

In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:45)

O you who have believed, when you meet a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the importance of remaining steadfast and remembering Allah in times of difficulty and adversity. It reminds us that success is not solely dependent on the final outcome, but also on our unwavering commitment to our goals and our reliance on Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking our goals with sincerity and determination. It reminds us that Allah appreciates and rewards our efforts, even if the results may not be exactly as we had hoped for. It encourages us to have a positive outlook and to remain steadfast in our pursuit of our aspirations. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to seek His blessings and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.