Hadith #978

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Allah, the Glorified, did not create the creation on account of loneliness, nor did He command them [to obey Him] in order to gain anything.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the purpose of creation and the relationship between Allah and His creation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (creation) "خَلْقَ" refers to all that exists in the universe, including humans, animals, plants, and inanimate objects. It encompasses everything that Allah has brought into existence. The word (loneliness) "وَحْشَة" refers to a state of being alone or feeling isolated. It implies that Allah did not create the universe out of a need for companionship or to alleviate His own loneliness.

To further comprehend the enlightening message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56),

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

This verse emphasizes that the purpose of creation is to worship Allah and submit to His commands. It highlights that Allah's creation is not a result of His own need, but rather a manifestation of His infinite wisdom and mercy.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them in play.

This verse reinforces the notion that the creation of the universe is not a frivolous act or a mere form of entertainment for Allah. It serves a greater purpose, beyond our limited understanding.

Now, let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah did not create us out of a need for companionship or to fulfill any personal gain. Instead, our existence is a testament to Allah's wisdom, power, and mercy. We are created to worship Him, to recognize His greatness, and to submit to His commands.

This understanding has profound consequences for our lives as Muslims. It reminds us that our purpose in this world is not to pursue worldly desires or material gains. Rather, our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and to fulfill our duties as His servants. We should strive to align our actions with His commands, seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of recognizing the true nature of our relationship with Allah. We should not approach our worship with a transactional mindset, expecting worldly rewards in return for our obedience. Instead, we should worship Allah out of love, gratitude, and a deep sense of devotion. Our worship should be driven by a sincere desire to please Him and to attain His nearness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the purpose of creation and the nature of our relationship with Allah. It emphasizes that Allah did not create us out of loneliness or for personal gain, but rather to worship Him. This understanding should shape our worldview, motivating us to seek Allah's pleasure and to fulfill our duties as His servants. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to comprehend the profound truths embedded in His divine words.