Hadith #1723

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 not being deceived by the apparent well-being of the body, as it is inherently vulnerable to diseases and ailments. This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to reflect upon the transient nature of physical health and the need to prioritize the well-being of our souls.

The word (ghatarra) "غْتَرُّ" in the Hadith refers to being deceived or deluded. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is questioning how one can be deceived by the apparent soundness of the body, which is inherently susceptible to various diseases and afflictions. This word emphasizes the importance of not being fooled by the temporary state of physical well-being, as it can change at any moment.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life and the deceptive nature of its pleasures. It serves as a reminder that the ultimate reward and compensation for our actions will be given in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is essential not to be deceived by the transient nature of physical well-being and instead focus on the eternal well-being of our souls.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of faith, righteous actions, and mutual advice in seeking salvation. It reminds us that the true measure of success lies not in the physical well-being of the body, but in the righteousness of our deeds and the guidance we offer to one another. It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on cultivating a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement prompts us to reflect on the consequences of being deceived by the temporary nature of physical health. If we prioritize the well-being of our bodies over the well-being of our souls, we risk neglecting our spiritual development and the pursuit of righteousness. This can lead to a state of heedlessness and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By recognizing the vulnerability of our bodies to diseases and ailments, we are motivated to prioritize our spiritual well-being. We are reminded to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for self-improvement. This awareness encourages us to take care of our bodies as a means to serve Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill our responsibilities, rather than being deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the apparent well-being of the body. It urges us to prioritize the well-being of our souls and recognize the transient nature of physical health. By focusing on our spiritual development and fulfilling our responsibilities as Muslims, we can attain true success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.