Hadith #11308

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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 importance of focusing our efforts on actions that will bring us reward in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to concern ourselves with anything that does not contribute to our spiritual growth and the attainment of rewards in the Hereafter.

Let us now delve into the deeper meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tahtimanna) "تَهْتِمَنَّ" means to concern oneself or to be preoccupied with something. It implies investing our time, energy, and thoughts into a particular matter. The word (yukasibuka) "يُكْسِبُكَ" means to earn or acquire something. It refers to the actions that bring us rewards in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ajran) "أجْراً" means recompense or reward, specifically in the context of the Hereafter. The word (la tas'aa) "لا تَسْعَ" means to strive or exert effort. And the word (ightinam) "اغْتِنَامِ" means to gain or acquire.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8),

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of focusing on actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and treating others with justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse encourages us to strive in the cause of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It reminds us that our efforts should be directed towards actions that will bring us closer to Him and lead to success in this life and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. We should not waste our time and energy on matters that do not contribute to our spiritual growth or bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead, we should focus on actions that will earn us rewards in the Hereafter. This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of our intentions and to strive for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

For example, instead of engaging in idle gossip or wasting time on trivial matters, we should spend our time in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, or helping others. Instead of striving for worldly success and material possessions, we should strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by performing acts of charity, being kind to others, and fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families and communities.

The consequences of heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are profound. By prioritizing actions that earn us rewards in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we not only strengthen our relationship with Him but also improve our character and become a source of goodness for others. Our efforts become purposeful and meaningful, leading to a sense of fulfillment and contentment in this life and the promise of eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be mindful of our actions and intentions. It urges us to prioritize actions that will earn us rewards in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to strive for His pleasure in all aspects of our lives. By following this advice, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, both in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this guidance in our lives.