Hadith #6379

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

One who seeks nearness [to Allah] is not brought closer [to Him] by anything other than the worship of Allah.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of worship as the means to attain nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (taqarraba) "تَقَرَّبَ" means to draw near or seek closeness. It implies the desire to establish a connection and proximity to Allah. The word (mutaqarrib) "مُتَقَرِّبٌ" refers to the one who seeks nearness or closeness to Allah. It denotes a person who strives to attain a higher spiritual station.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the only way to achieve this nearness to Allah is through the worship of Him. The word (ibadah) "عِبَادَةِ" encompasses all acts of worship, including prayer, fasting, charity, and obedience to Allah's commands. It is through these acts of devotion that a person can draw closer to Allah and strengthen their relationship with Him.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and charity as acts of worship that bring us closer to Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (22:30)

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord

Here, Allah emphasizes the significance of adhering to His commandments and honoring the sacred rituals, which are essential components of worship.

The consequences of neglecting worship and failing to seek nearness to Allah are also highlighted in the Quran. In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes those who turn away from His worship as being in a state of darkness: (34:40-41)

And [mention] the Day He will gather them all and then say to the angels, 'Did these [people] used to worship you?' They will say, 'Exalted are You! You, [O Allah], are our benefactor not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them'

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that worship is not merely a set of rituals performed out of habit, but a means to attain nearness to Allah and strengthen our relationship with Him. It is through sincere worship that we can experience the spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah that our souls yearn for. By engaging in acts of worship, we acknowledge our servitude to Allah and express our gratitude for His blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam, reminds us that true nearness to Allah can only be achieved through sincere worship. Let us strive to make worship an integral part of our lives, seeking nearness to Allah and reaping the spiritual benefits that come with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to worship Him with sincerity and draw closer to Him through our devotion.