Hadith #7980

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أهْنَى العَيْشِ إطْراحُ الكُلَفِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The most felicitous lifestyle is achieved by abandoning unnecessary constraints [and formalities].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (ahna) "أهْنَى" signifies the state of being most felicitous, content, and at ease. It implies a sense of tranquility and satisfaction that can only be attained by adopting a certain way of life. The word (al-'aysh) "العَيْشِ" refers to one's lifestyle or way of living. It encompasses all aspects of life, including one's actions, habits, and attitudes. Finally, the word (itrāh) "إطْراحُ" means to abandon or let go of something, while (alkulf) "الكُلَفِ" refers to unnecessary constraints or burdensome formalities.

To further understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not burden us with more than we can handle. He knows our capabilities and has designed our lives in a way that allows us to navigate through its challenges.

In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 78, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse emphasizes that the religion of Islam is not meant to be burdensome or overwhelming. It is a path of ease and simplicity, guiding us towards a felicitous and contented life.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the most felicitous lifestyle is achieved by letting go of unnecessary constraints and formalities. Islam does not burden us with unnecessary rituals or obligations that go beyond our capabilities. It encourages us to focus on the essence of our faith and the principles that truly matter.

By abandoning unnecessary constraints, we free ourselves from the shackles of excessive rituals and formalities that may distract us from the true purpose of our existence. This does not mean neglecting our religious duties or disregarding the teachings of Islam. Rather, it calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes the core values of faith, such as sincerity, compassion, justice, and humility.

For example, instead of getting caught up in the minutiae of external appearances and superficial practices, we should focus on cultivating a genuine connection with Allah and serving His creation. We should strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our interactions with others, seeking to bring about positive change and contribute to the betterment of society.

Abandoning unnecessary constraints also allows us to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. It frees up our time and energy to invest in meaningful pursuits, such as seeking knowledge, engaging in acts of charity, spending quality time with our loved ones, and pursuing personal growth and development. It enables us to prioritize our well-being and establish a harmonious equilibrium between our spiritual, physical, and emotional dimensions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most felicitous lifestyle is attained by abandoning unnecessary constraints and formalities. It reminds us that Islam is a religion of ease and simplicity, guiding us towards a balanced and contented life. By letting go of burdensome rituals and focusing on the core principles of our faith, we can experience true tranquility and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this profound teaching in our lives.