Hadith #1305

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) highlights the qualities and characteristics of a true believer. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating that the persistence of a believer lies in his renunciation of worldly pleasures. The Arabic word used here is (zuhadatuhu) "زِهَادَةُهُ", which refers to the act of willingly abstaining from materialistic desires and leading a simple life. This concept of zuhd is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

By renouncing worldly pleasures, a believer focuses on the true purpose of life, which is to worship Allah and fulfill their religious obligations. The Hadith states,

his interest is [in] his religiosity.

The Arabic word used here is (hammuhu) "هَمَّهُ", which refers to one's concern and preoccupation. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

A believer's dignity lies in their contentment with what Allah has bestowed upon them. The Hadith states,

his dignity is [in] his contentment.

The Arabic word used here is (izzuhu) "عِزَّهُ", which refers to one's honor and self-respect. This concept of contentment is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 59, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And among them are those who abuse the Prophet and say, 'He is an ear.' Say, '[It is] an ear of goodness for you that believes in Allah and believes the believers and [is] a mercy to those who believe among you.' And those who abuse the Messenger of Allah - for them is a painful punishment.

A believer's striving is directed towards their Hereafter. The Hadith states,

his striving is for his Hereafter.

The Arabic word used here is (jiddahu) "جِدَّهُ", which refers to one's earnest efforts and determination. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

The Hadith further highlights the rewards and consequences of embodying these qualities. It states,

His good deeds are many, his status is elevated, and he has managed [to gain] his freedom and salvation.

When a believer renounces worldly pleasures, focuses on their religiosity, finds contentment in what Allah has provided, and strives for the Hereafter, their good deeds multiply, and their status is elevated in the sight of Allah. This is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 58, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them is forgiveness and noble provision.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance for believers in their journey towards attaining true faith and salvation. By renouncing worldly pleasures, focusing on religiosity, finding contentment, and striving for the Hereafter, believers can increase their good deeds, elevate their status, and ultimately attain freedom and salvation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and lead a life pleasing to Him.