Hadith #8009

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious in our daily lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who does not feign negligence and lower his gaze in many situations, his life becomes bitter.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (taqāfal) "تَغَافَلْ" means to pretend to be unaware or negligent. It refers to the act of intentionally ignoring or neglecting certain matters. The word (yaghudda) "يَغُضَّ" means to lower one's gaze. It signifies the act of averting one's eyes from things that are inappropriate or sinful.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being mindful and vigilant in various aspects of our lives.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be conscious of our actions and their consequences. By being vigilant and mindful, we can ensure that we are making choices that are pleasing to Allah.

Similarly, in Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah instructs the believers,

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of lowering our gaze, especially in situations where we may be tempted to look at things that are inappropriate. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into sin and maintain our purity.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to avoid feigning negligence and lowering our gaze in many situations. This means that we should not pretend to be unaware or negligent of our responsibilities and duties. We should actively engage with the world around us and fulfill our obligations.

Feigning negligence can have severe consequences in our lives. It can lead to missed opportunities, damaged relationships, and a lack of personal growth. By being attentive and proactive, we can seize opportunities, strengthen our connections with others, and continuously improve ourselves.

Lowering our gaze is also crucial in maintaining our spiritual well-being. It protects us from falling into sin and keeps our hearts pure. When we avert our eyes from inappropriate sights, we safeguard our souls from the corrupting influences of the world. This practice helps us maintain our focus on what is righteous and pleasing to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that failing to follow these principles will result in a bitter life. This bitterness can manifest in various ways. It may be a sense of regret for missed opportunities, a feeling of emptiness due to a lack of purpose, or the consequences of engaging in sinful behavior.

On the other hand, by being vigilant and cautious, we can experience a life filled with blessings and contentment. We will be able to make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary hardships, and cultivate a strong connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful and vigilant in their daily lives. By avoiding feigned negligence and lowering our gaze in inappropriate situations, we can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah and free from bitterness. Let us strive to implement these teachings in our lives and seek the guidance of Allah in all our affairs.