Hadith #4859

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 qualities and actions that lead to true felicity and success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating,

Indeed only he is felicitous who fears divine punishment so he safeguards himself.

Here, the word (sa'id) "سَعِيد" is used to describe the one who attains true happiness and success. This word signifies a state of contentment and fulfillment that is achieved through righteousness and obedience to Allah. The Hadith highlights the importance of fearing divine punishment as a means of protecting oneself from falling into sin and transgression.

This concept of fearing divine punishment is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:131),

And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the disbelievers.

This verse emphasizes the need to have a constant awareness of the consequences of our actions and to fear the punishment that awaits those who deviate from the path of righteousness.

The Hadith further states,

and hopes for divine reward so he does good.

The word (raja) "رَجَاء" is used here, which refers to the hope and expectation of receiving Allah's reward. This highlights the importance of having a positive outlook and seeking Allah's pleasure through righteous deeds. The true believer is motivated by the anticipation of divine reward, which serves as a driving force for performing acts of goodness and righteousness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages us to have hope in His mercy and rewards. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:56), Allah says,

Indeed, My punishment is severe and My mercy encompasses all things.

This verse reminds us that Allah's mercy is vast and encompasses everything, and it is this hope in His mercy that should inspire us to do good deeds.

The Hadith concludes by stating,

and longs for Paradise so he wakes up [to worship] in the night.

The word (ishtaq) "اشْتَاقَ" is used here, which signifies a deep longing and yearning. This highlights the importance of having a strong desire for Paradise and the rewards it holds. The true believer is driven by this longing, which motivates them to exert effort in worship, even during the night when others are asleep.

The Quran beautifully describes the rewards and blessings of Paradise, which serve as a source of inspiration for the believers. In Surah Al-Insan (76:11), Allah says,

Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of Kafur, a spring of which the [righteous] servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force [and abundance].

This verse paints a vivid picture of the delights and pleasures that await the righteous in Paradise, further fueling their longing and motivation to strive for it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance on the path to true felicity and success. It emphasizes the importance of fearing divine punishment, hoping for divine reward, and longing for Paradise. By internalizing these qualities and acting upon them, Muslims can attain true happiness and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and attain eternal success.