Hadith #10444

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُوبى لِنَفْس أدَّتْ إلى رَبِّها فَرْضَها۔

This can be translated as,

Blessed be the soul that fulfils its duty to its Lord.

Let us now delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tuba) "طُوبَى" in Arabic refers to a state of ultimate happiness and bliss. It is a state of being blessed and content. The word (nafs) "نَفْس" means soul or self. (adat) "أدَّتْ" comes from the root word "ada" which means to fulfill or discharge. And (rabbaha) "رَبِّهَا" means its Lord.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties towards our Lord. It highlights the significance of fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities as Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prescribed various obligations upon us, such as performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, fasting in the month of Ramadan, and performing Hajj if we are able to do so. By fulfilling these obligations, we attain a state of happiness and contentment.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties to Allah, which includes establishing prayer and giving zakah (charity). Those who fulfill these obligations will be rewarded by their Lord and will be free from fear and grief.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.

This verse highlights that the true purpose of our existence is to worship Allah alone and fulfill our obligations towards Him, including establishing prayer and giving zakah. By doing so, we are following the correct religion.

When we fulfill our duties towards our Lord, we experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. We feel a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our faith is strengthened. Our actions become a means of drawing closer to Him and seeking His pleasure. This Hadith reminds us that by fulfilling our obligations, we are nurturing our souls and paving the way for eternal happiness in the Hereafter.

Moreover, fulfilling our duties towards our Lord has far-reaching consequences. It not only benefits us individually but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When we fulfill our obligations, we become better Muslims and role models for others. Our actions inspire and motivate others to do the same. This creates a ripple effect, leading to a more righteous and harmonious society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense importance of fulfilling our duties towards our Lord. It is through fulfilling these obligations that we attain true happiness and contentment. Let us strive to be among those blessed souls who fulfill their duties to their Lord, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to do so.