Hadith #10803

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الوِجْدانُ سُلْوانٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Attainment [of one’s goal] is solace.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (al-wijdan) "الوِجْدانُ" refers to the inner self or the conscience. It is the seat of emotions, thoughts, and desires within a person. It is the part of us that feels and experiences the world around us. The word (sulwan) "سُلْوانٌ" means solace, tranquility, or comfort. It represents a state of inner peace and contentment that one experiences upon achieving their desired goal.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of attaining one's goals and the subsequent solace that follows. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the supplication of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to Allah, seeking His support and guidance in achieving his mission. It reflects the desire for success and the solace that comes with it.

Another verse that supports the concept of attaining solace through the fulfillment of goals is found in Surah Al-Inshirah, verse 5-6, where Allah says,

Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.

This repetition emphasizes the certainty of solace and comfort that follows difficulties and challenges. It reassures Muslims that after every hardship, there will be ease, and this ease brings solace to the heart.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound connection between the attainment of goals and the resulting solace. When a person strives to achieve their goals, whether they are personal, professional, or spiritual, they experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This sense of accomplishment brings tranquility to their inner self, providing them with solace and contentment.

For example, imagine a student who has been working tirelessly to excel in their studies. They dedicate countless hours to their studies, sacrificing leisure time and sleep. Finally, the day of the exam arrives, and they perform exceptionally well, achieving their desired result. In that moment, the student experiences a deep sense of solace and relief. Their hard work has paid off, and they can now rest assured that their efforts were not in vain.

Similarly, in the realm of spirituality, when a believer strives to strengthen their connection with Allah and seeks to attain nearness to Him, they experience a profound sense of solace and peace. This solace comes from knowing that they are fulfilling their purpose in life and are on the path towards eternal success. It is the solace of knowing that they are aligning their desires and actions with the will of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of goals and aspirations is not only a means to achieve worldly success but also a path to inner peace and contentment. It encourages us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives, knowing that the attainment of our goals will bring solace to our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the attainment of one's goals is not merely a source of external satisfaction but also a means to find solace within ourselves. By striving to achieve our goals, we experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment that brings tranquility to our hearts. This concept is beautifully supported by the verses of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of attaining goals and the subsequent solace that follows. May Allah grant us the ability to pursue our goals with sincerity and grant us the solace that comes with their attainment.