Hadith #6378

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) highlights the importance of divine assistance and guidance in finding true joy and fulfillment in worship. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, poses a rhetorical question, asking how one can truly enjoy and derive pleasure from acts of worship if they have not been granted the divine assistance and success.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (tamatta'u) "تَمَتَّعُ" refers to deriving joy, pleasure, or enjoyment. It implies finding satisfaction and contentment in an activity. The word (al-'ibadah) "العِبادَةِ" encompasses all acts of worship, including prayers, fasting, charity, and other acts of devotion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then poses the question, (man lam yu'inhu at-tawfiq)

مَنْ لَمْ يُعِنْهُ التَّوْفِيقُ؟

which can be translated as

How can one who has not been aided by [divine granted] success?

Here, the word (at-tawfiq) "التَّوْفِيقُ" refers to the divine assistance, guidance, and success that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants to individuals. It is through this divine tawfiq that one is able to perform acts of worship sincerely and with true devotion.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking His assistance and guidance in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Fatiha (1:5-7), we recite,

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path.

This verse highlights the inseparable connection between worship and seeking divine guidance. It is only through Allah's assistance that we can truly worship Him with sincerity and devotion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And Allah made it not but good tidings and so that your hearts would be assured thereby. And victory is not but from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

This verse emphasizes that true success and victory come solely from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through His divine assistance and guidance that one can find joy and fulfillment in their acts of worship.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that the purpose of worship is not merely to fulfill a religious obligation but to establish a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through divine assistance and guidance that we can attain true pleasure and satisfaction in our acts of worship. Without this divine tawfiq, our worship may become mechanical and devoid of spiritual fulfillment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance in our worship. We should strive to purify our intentions and constantly seek His help in performing acts of worship with sincerity and devotion. By doing so, we can experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from a deep connection with our Creator.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us all the divine tawfiq and guide us to find true pleasure and fulfillment in our worship. Ameen.