Hadith #321

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) emphasizes the importance of not becoming excessively preoccupied with one's family and children. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to strike a balance between their familial responsibilities and their devotion to Allah.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (shughulika) "شُغُلِكَ" refers to one's activities, engagements, or preoccupations. It implies being fully absorbed and occupied with something. The term (ahlik wa waladik) "أَهْلِكَ وَوَلَدِكَ" refers to one's wife and children. It encompasses the immediate family members who hold a significant place in one's life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to devote excessive time and attention to their families, as it may divert them from their spiritual obligations. However, this does not mean neglecting or abandoning one's family. Rather, it emphasizes the need for balance and moderation in fulfilling familial duties.

To support this guidance, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This ayah reminds us that excessive attachment to worldly matters, including family and wealth, can distract us from our ultimate purpose of remembering and worshiping Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, [O Muhammad], if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing Allah and His Messenger over worldly attachments, including family and material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is rooted in the understanding that our families and children are ultimately under the care and protection of Allah. If they are righteous and lovers of Allah, then Allah will not abandon them. As mentioned in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30),

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

Allah's plans and protection extend to those who are devoted to Him.

On the other hand, if our families and children are enemies of Allah, it is not our responsibility to worry excessively about them. Allah is the ultimate judge and will deal with them accordingly. Our focus should be on our own relationship with Allah and striving to fulfill our duties as His servants.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their familial responsibilities and their devotion to Allah. It reminds us that our primary concern should be our own spiritual growth and obedience to Allah's commands. This does not mean neglecting our families, but rather ensuring that our devotion to them does not overshadow our devotion to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balance between their familial responsibilities and their devotion to Allah. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual obligations and not become excessively preoccupied with our families and children. By doing so, we can ensure that our devotion to Allah remains steadfast and that we fulfill our duties as His servants. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strike a balance in all aspects of our lives.