Hadith #5214

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

شُغِلَ مَنْ كانَتِ النَّجاةُ ومَرْضاتُ اللّهِ مَرامَهُ۔

This thought-provoking saying can be translated as,

He one whose goal is salvation and attaining the pleasure of Allah is [always] occupied.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (shughila) "شُغِلَ" is derived from the root word (shagala) "شَغَلَ", which means to be occupied or engrossed in something. It implies being fully absorbed and focused on a particular matter. The word (najat) "نَّجاةُ" refers to salvation or deliverance from harm or destruction. It encompasses the idea of being saved from the perils of this world and the hereafter. Lastly, (mardatullah) "مَرْضاتُ اللّهِ" signifies the pleasure and satisfaction of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And there are some among them who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It emphasizes the need to prioritize our actions and intentions towards attaining salvation and the pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that complements the meaning of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 72:

Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes that the ultimate goal for a believer should be the pleasure of Allah, which surpasses any worldly possessions or achievements. It reminds us that true success lies in attaining the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He highlights the importance of being fully engrossed and occupied with the pursuit of salvation and the pleasure of Allah. This means that a true believer should prioritize their actions, intentions, and efforts towards these noble goals. They should constantly strive to please Allah in all aspects of their lives, seeking His pleasure above all else.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the need for Muslims to be focused and dedicated to their spiritual journey. By being occupied with the pursuit of salvation and the pleasure of Allah, we are reminded to align our intentions and actions with the teachings of Islam. This requires us to constantly reflect on our choices, seeking guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The consequences of being occupied with the pursuit of salvation and the pleasure of Allah are immense. It leads to a life of righteousness, piety, and moral uprightness. It motivates us to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing good deeds. It encourages us to seek knowledge, purify our hearts, and maintain strong ties with our families and communities. Ultimately, it leads to a life of fulfillment, contentment, and inner peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be fully occupied with the pursuit of salvation and the pleasure of Allah. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards these noble goals, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can lead a life of righteousness, piety, and moral uprightness, ultimately attaining the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards in the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on this path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.