Attaining Allah’s pleasure (rida) is the ultimate goal for every Muslim. It signifies divine approval, mercy, and success in this life and the hereafter. Rooted in the Quran and Sahih Hadith, this guide outlines practical steps to earn Allah’s pleasure, emphasizing sincerity, obedience, and righteous deeds.
What Is Allah’s Riza?
Allah’s riza means His satisfaction and approval of a believer’s actions and intentions. The Quran states:
“Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 5:119)
This mutual contentment is the pinnacle of spiritual success.
7 Steps to Achieve Allah’s Riza
1. Obey Allah and Follow the Prophet ﷺ
- Quran:
“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will attain a great triumph.” (Quran 33:71)
- Hadith:
“All my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” (Sahih Bukhari 7280).
Action: Prioritize Quranic commandments and the Prophet’s Sunnah.
2. Cultivate Sincerity (Ikhlas)
- Quran:
“They were only commanded to worship Allah, sincere to Him in religion.” (Quran 98:5)
- Hadith:
“Deeds are judged by intentions.” (Sahih Bukhari 1)
Action: Purify your heart from showing off and worldly motives.
3. Practice Gratitude (Shukr)
- Quran:
“If you are grateful, I will increase you [in favor].” (Quran 14:7)
- Hadith:
“Whoever does not thank people does not thank Allah.” (Sahih Abu Dawud 4811)
Action: Acknowledge blessings daily through dua, charity, and humility.
4. Uphold Good Character (Akhlaq)
- Quran:
“You are the best nation produced for mankind—you enjoin good and forbid evil.” (Quran 3:110)
- Hadith:
“The best among you are those with the best character.” (Sahih Bukhari 3559)
Action: Be honest, patient, and kind—even to those who wrong you.
5. Serve Others Selflessly
- Quran:
“Spend in the way of Allah… and whatever good you do, Allah knows it.” (Quran 2:273)
- Hadith:
“Allah helps His servant as long as the servant helps others.” (Sahih Muslim 2699)
Action: Support family, neighbors, and strangers in need.
6. Repent Constantly (Tawbah)
- Quran:
“O you who believe! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance.” (Quran 66:8)
- Hadith:
“Allah is more joyful at the repentance of His servant than a man who finds his camel in a desert.” (Sahih Muslim 2747)
Action: Seek forgiveness daily and abandon sins.
7. Supplicate (Dua) for Riza
- Quran:
“Our Lord! Grant us what You have promised through Your messengers.” (Quran 3:194)
- Hadith:
“Ask Allah for His pleasure, for if you attain it, you’ve achieved everything.” (Sunan Tirmidhi 3500)
Action: Pray: “Allahumma inni as’aluka ridaka wal jannah” (O Allah, I ask for Your pleasure and Paradise).
Allah’s Riza vs. Worldly Approval
Actions for RizaActions for Worldly Approval Sincerity in worship Showing off (riya) Giving charity secretly Seeking praise Forgiving others Holding grudges
Common Questions About Allah’s Riza
Q: Can non-Muslims attain Allah’s pleasure?
A: No. “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted.” (Quran 3:85).
Q: Do minor sins affect Allah’s pleasure?
A: Yes, but sincere repentance restores it (Quran 4:31).
Q: Can wealth help earn Allah’s pleasure?
A: Yes, if used for His sake: “The best wealth is that spent in Allah’s cause.” (Sahih Bukhari 6442).
Misconceptions About Riza
“Only scholars earn Allah’s pleasure”:
- False. A poor believer with sincere faith can be closer to Allah.
“Riza means no hardships”:
- No. Trials purify believers (Quran 2:155–156).
Conclusion
Allah’s pleasure is achieved through unwavering faith, righteous deeds, and a heart anchored in His remembrance. As the Prophet ﷺ taught:
“Allah says: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me.’” (Sahih Bukhari 7405)
