Hadith #11351

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) urges us to be conquerors of our vain desires and seekers of our salvation. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement.

The word (ghaliban) "غالِباً" in Arabic refers to being a conqueror or prevailing over something. It implies having control and mastery over our own desires and inclinations. It calls upon us to resist the temptations and distractions that may lead us astray from the path of righteousness. This conquest is not external, but internal, as it involves battling against our own ego and lower desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to be (taliban) "طالِباً", which means to be seekers. In this context, it refers to seeking our salvation, both in this world and the hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of striving for spiritual growth and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This seeking is not passive, but active and continuous, as we are encouraged to constantly pursue knowledge, good deeds, and a deeper understanding of our faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56:

Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. By conquering our vain desires and seeking our salvation, we align ourselves with the guidance of Allah, allowing Him to lead us on the right path.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say, 'My Lord, let me enter a sound entrance and let me exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's support and guidance throughout our journey in life. By being conquerors of our vain desires and seekers of our salvation, we are actively seeking the support and guidance of Allah, asking Him to grant us a sound entrance into this world and a sound exit into the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions. It urges us to reflect upon our desires and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. By conquering our vain desires, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and worldly distractions. This allows us to focus on our ultimate goal of attaining salvation and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conquering our vain desires and seeking our salvation requires self-discipline, self-reflection, and a deep understanding of our faith. It involves making conscious choices that are in line with the teachings of Islam and striving to improve ourselves in all aspects of life. By doing so, we become better Muslims, better human beings, and ultimately, we increase our chances of attaining salvation in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be conquerors of their vain desires and seekers of their salvation. It calls upon us to actively strive for self-improvement, aligning our actions and intentions with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we pave the way for a meaningful and fulfilling life in this world and the eternal bliss of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to conquer our desires and seek our salvation.