Hadith #10379

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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) emphasizes the importance of striving to attain everlasting desires, which will ultimately lead to success and felicity in the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the soul) "النَّفْسَ", (the desires) "الرَّغائِبِ", (the everlasting) "الْباقِيَةِ", (its goal) "طَلَبَها", and (its place of return) "مُنْقَلَبِها".

The soul (النَّفْسَ) refers to the inner self, the essence of a person, and their desires. It is the driving force behind one's actions and choices. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the soul's struggle in acquiring the everlasting desires (الرَّغائِبِ الْباقِيَةِ). These desires are not transient or temporary, but rather they are eternal and everlasting.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of striving for the everlasting desires and rewards. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the superiority of enduring good deeds that lead to everlasting rewards.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse emphasizes the balanced approach of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, recognizing the importance of everlasting desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the soul that strives for these everlasting desires will surely achieve its goal (طَلَبَها) and will be felicitous in its place of return (مُنْقَلَبِها). This highlights the ultimate success and happiness that awaits those who dedicate themselves to pursuing the everlasting desires.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who strived for the everlasting desires and achieved their goals. Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), for instance, is praised for his unwavering faith and dedication to Allah's commandments. In Surah Al-Saffat (37:99-111), the story of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith is narrated. His unwavering commitment to Allah's command led to his success and felicity in this world and the Hereafter.

Similarly, Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is another example of someone who strived for the everlasting desires. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he remained steadfast in his faith and integrity. In Surah Yusuf (12:101-102), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.

Prophet Yusuf's dedication to righteousness and his pursuit of the everlasting desires led to his success and felicity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of striving for the everlasting desires. By dedicating ourselves to pursuing these desires, we can achieve our goals and attain felicity in the Hereafter. The Quran provides numerous examples and verses that support this concept, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the superiority of enduring good deeds. May we all strive to acquire the everlasting desires and be among those who are successful and felicitous in the Hereafter.