Hadith #1652

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لا رِبْحَ كالثَّوابِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no gain like divine reward.

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

The word (ribh) "رِبْحَ" in this Hadith refers to gain, profit, or benefit. It signifies the acquisition of something valuable or advantageous. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the worldly gains or material benefits that people often strive for in their lives. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no gain or profit that can compare to the reward bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the hereafter.

The word (thawab) "ثَّوابِ" refers to divine reward or recompense. It is the outcome of righteous deeds and actions performed in obedience to Allah's commands. This reward is not limited to the material realm but extends to the eternal life in the hereafter. It encompasses the blessings, mercy, and paradise that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised to His righteous servants.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly gains and emphasizes the superiority of enduring good deeds in the sight of Allah.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be granted on the Day of Resurrection, and the pleasures of this worldly life are merely temporary and illusory.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of divine reward to redirect our focus from the transient gains of this world to the everlasting rewards of the hereafter. He reminds us that no matter how enticing or tempting worldly gains may appear, they pale in comparison to the immense rewards and blessings that await the righteous in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being solely driven by worldly gains. It encourages us to engage in acts of worship, charity, and kindness, knowing that the ultimate gain lies in the divine reward that Allah has promised to His sincere servants.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our actions in this world have consequences that extend far beyond our immediate circumstances. By focusing on the divine reward, we are motivated to strive for excellence in our faith, character, and deeds. We are encouraged to seek knowledge, practice patience, show compassion, and uphold justice, knowing that these actions will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in ways that surpass any worldly gain.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the ultimate gain lies in the divine reward promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It redirects our focus from the transient gains of this world to the everlasting rewards of the hereafter. By prioritizing our actions and intentions towards seeking the pleasure of Allah, we strive for excellence in faith, character, and deeds, knowing that the true gain lies in the divine reward that awaits the righteous in the presence of Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to prioritize the pursuit of divine reward in all aspects of our lives.