Hadith #10768

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) states,

The closest intentions to success are those that are nearest to righteousness.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of having pure and righteous intentions in order to achieve success in both this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (niyyah) "نِّيَّة" refers to one's intention or motive behind an action. It is the driving force that determines the sincerity and righteousness of our deeds. The word (najah) "نَجَاح" means success or achievement, while (a'waduha) "أَعْوَدُهَا" means to be closer or nearer. And finally, (salah) "صَلاح" refers to righteousness or piety.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in our belief in Allah, the Day of Judgment, the angels, the divine scriptures, and the prophets. It is not merely about external rituals or appearances.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of intentions is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84:

And say: 'My Lord! Cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit. And grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as he sought Allah's guidance and support. It teaches us that our intentions should be directed towards seeking Allah's pleasure and relying on His assistance.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The closest intentions to success are those that are nearest to righteousness. This means that the intentions that are rooted in piety, sincerity, and a desire to please Allah are the ones that lead to true success. Merely seeking worldly gains or recognition without a righteous intention will not bring lasting success.

For example, if someone engages in acts of charity solely to gain praise and admiration from others, their intention is not rooted in righteousness. However, if their intention is to seek the pleasure of Allah and help those in need, their actions become a means of attaining success in this world and the hereafter. The sincerity of their intention elevates their deeds and brings them closer to righteousness.

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of aligning our intentions with the teachings of Islam. Our intentions should be in accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). When our intentions are guided by the principles of Islam, our actions become a means of attaining success and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the closest intentions to success are those that are nearest to righteousness. It reminds us of the importance of having pure and sincere intentions in all our actions. By aligning our intentions with the teachings of Islam and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can attain true success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us to have righteous intentions and grant us success in all our endeavors.