Hadith #3951

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لا دَواءَ لِمَشْغُوف بِدائِهِ۔

This Hadith carries a beautiful message about the nature of human beings and their attachment to their own ailments. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mashghoof) "مَشْغُوف" is derived from the root word (shaghafa) "شَغَفَ", which means to be fond of or attached to something. In this context, it refers to a person who is deeply attached to their own ailment or affliction. The word (bida'ihi) "بِدائِهِ" means his own ailment or disease.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the human tendency to become attached to things that may not be beneficial for us. We often develop an emotional attachment to our own afflictions, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. This attachment can prevent us from seeking the remedy or solution that is necessary for our well-being.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, which includes seeking remedies and solutions to our problems.

When we become fond of our ailments, we may resist seeking help or taking the necessary steps to overcome them. This attachment to our afflictions can lead to stagnation and hinder our personal growth and development. It is essential for us as Muslims to recognize this tendency and strive to overcome it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that there is no remedy for someone who is deeply attached to their own ailment. This attachment blinds us to the potential solutions and prevents us from seeking the help and guidance that is available to us.

To illustrate this point further, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is suffering from a chronic illness but refuses to seek medical treatment because they have become emotionally attached to their identity as a sick person. They may resist taking medication, following a proper diet, or making lifestyle changes that could improve their condition. In this case, their attachment to their ailment becomes a barrier to their own well-being.

Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we may become attached to negative emotions such as anger, envy, or pride. These attachments can prevent us from seeking forgiveness, practicing patience, or cultivating humility. By clinging to these negative emotions, we deprive ourselves of the spiritual remedies that can bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enhance our overall well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their attachment to their own ailments. We must strive to overcome this attachment and seek the necessary remedies and solutions that will lead us towards a path of growth, healing, and spiritual upliftment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to detach ourselves from our afflictions and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.