Hadith #6887

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العوافي إذا دامت جهلت، وإذا فقدت عرفت

which translates to,

Good health is such that when it lasts, it is disregarded and when it is lost, its value is known.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran. The word (al-'awafi) "العوافي" refers to good health or well-being. It encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the human tendency to take good health for granted when it is present, and only realize its true value when it is lost.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hijr (15:23),

And indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and We are the Inheritor.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of life and the fact that good health is a blessing bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We often fail to appreciate this blessing when we are in good health, as we become engrossed in worldly pursuits and take our well-being for granted.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights the reality that life is filled with trials and tribulations, including the loss of good health. It is during such challenging times that the true value of good health becomes apparent to us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to be grateful for the blessings of good health and not to take them for granted. It also teaches us the importance of recognizing the value of good health when it is lost, as it is during times of illness or hardship that we realize the true significance of being in a state of well-being.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we can draw several motivations and consequences. Firstly, it motivates us to be mindful of our health and to take proactive measures to maintain it. This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and seeking medical care when needed. By doing so, we can strive to preserve the blessing of good health and avoid the regret that comes with its loss.

Secondly, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of empathy and compassion towards those who are suffering from illness or facing health challenges. When we witness the struggles of others, we are reminded of the value of good health and are motivated to support and assist those in need. This can be through providing emotional support, offering practical help, or contributing to healthcare initiatives.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect upon the temporary nature of this worldly life. It serves as a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we should not become complacent in our pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness. Just as good health can be lost, so too can the opportunities for spiritual development and the chance to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, we should strive to make the most of our time and utilize our good health to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and serve humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the value of good health and the tendency to take it for granted. It encourages us to be grateful for this blessing and to reflect upon its significance. By recognizing the transient nature of good health and the lessons it teaches us, we can strive to maintain our well-being, show empathy towards others, and prioritize our spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us all good health and the wisdom to appreciate its value.