Hadith #3164

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 sincerity and devotion in all aspects of our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to make our actions, knowledge, love, hatred, taking, leaving, speech, and silence solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Akhlas" means to purify or make sincere. "Amal" refers to our actions or deeds. "Ilm" signifies knowledge. "Hubb" means love, while "bughd" refers to hatred. "Akhdh" means taking or acquiring, while "tarq" signifies leaving or abstaining. "Kalam" refers to speech, and "samt" signifies silence.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincerity and devotion in our actions. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 51, Allah says,

And do not make [as equal] with Allah another deity. Indeed, I am to you from Him a clear warner.

This verse reminds us to dedicate our actions solely to Allah, without associating any partners with Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 162, Allah states,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse highlights the importance of making our worship and all aspects of our lives solely for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our knowledge. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 9, Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse reminds us that true knowledge is not merely acquiring information, but rather understanding and implementing it with sincerity.

In regards to love and hatred, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches us to love and treat others with justice, regardless of their beliefs or actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also reminds us to be mindful of our actions of taking and leaving. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, Allah says,

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to be cautious in what we take and consume, ensuring that it is lawful and beneficial.

In terms of speech and silence, the Quran provides us with guidance in Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, where Allah says,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse reminds us to choose our words carefully, speaking with kindness and wisdom, while avoiding unnecessary arguments and disputes.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to align every aspect of our lives with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we purify our intentions and actions, ensuring that they are solely for the sake of Allah. This sincerity and devotion lead to a greater sense of purpose, fulfillment, and closeness to our Creator.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to dedicate their actions, knowledge, love, hatred, taking, leaving, speech, and silence solely for the sake of Allah. By aligning every aspect of our lives with the pleasure of Allah, we purify our intentions and strive for a higher level of sincerity and devotion. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to live our lives in accordance with His will.