Hadith #4463

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) is a beautiful supplication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) seeking His pleasure and asking for self-sufficiency from anyone other than Him. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this supplication and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ridaak) "رِضاكَ", which means "your pleasure." Seeking the pleasure of Allah is the ultimate goal of every Muslim. It signifies our desire to align our actions, intentions, and thoughts with what pleases Allah. The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:207), Allah says,

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse highlights the significance of sincerity and seeking Allah's pleasure in our words and actions.

The second important phrase in this Hadith is (aghnenaa 'an mad-dil-aydi ilaa siwaak)

أغْنِنا عَنْ مَدِّ الأيْدي إلى سِواكَ

which means

make us needless of having to stretch out our hands to other than you.

This phrase reflects the desire for self-sufficiency and complete reliance on Allah alone. It signifies the recognition that true fulfillment and sustenance come from Allah alone, and we should not seek assistance or support from anyone or anything other than Him.

This concept of relying solely on Allah is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. In Surah Al-Fatiha (1:5-6), we recite,

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path.

This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of our worship and reliance on Allah. It reminds us that seeking help from anyone other than Allah is futile and that true guidance and support can only come from Him.

Imam Ali's supplication teaches us the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure and relying solely on Him. By seeking Allah's pleasure, we align ourselves with His will and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This entails following His commandments, avoiding what is prohibited, and striving for excellence in our actions and intentions.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's supplication highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and complete reliance on Allah. When we recognize that all sustenance and assistance come from Allah, we free ourselves from the shackles of dependence on others. This does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from society or neglect our responsibilities towards others. Rather, it means that our ultimate reliance should be on Allah, and we should seek His assistance and support first and foremost.

Imam Ali's supplication also serves as a reminder of the consequences of seeking pleasure and assistance from other than Allah. When we rely on others, we may be disappointed, let down, or even deceived. However, when we seek Allah's pleasure and rely solely on Him, we find true contentment, fulfillment, and protection. Allah promises in the Quran, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3),

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's supplication, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our intentions, seeking Allah's pleasure, and relying solely on Him. It encourages us to strive for excellence in our actions, knowing that true fulfillment and success lie in pleasing Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to seek His pleasure and make us needless of anyone other than Him.