Hadith #8393

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَعَ الفَراغِ تَكُونُ الصَّبْوَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

With idleness there is inclination towards [vain] desire.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term (faraagh) "فَرَاغ" refers to idleness, leisure, or free time. It implies a state of being unoccupied or having no specific task or responsibility. The word (sabwa) "صَبْوَة" can be understood as inclination, inclination towards something, or a tendency. In this context, it refers to a negative inclination towards vain desires or base instincts.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 176,

And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the consequences of following one's own desires and inclinations, which are similar to the behavior of a dog. Just as a dog pants regardless of being chased or left alone, those who indulge in their desires are never content. They constantly seek gratification, even if it leads them away from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, 'How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?' And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, 'O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people.'

In this incident, Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) became angry and grieved when he saw his people indulging in idol worship in his absence. This demonstrates the negative consequences of idleness and neglecting one's responsibilities. The people of Moses were led astray due to their free time and lack of focus on their duties, resulting in them replacing the worship of Allah with idolatry.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of idleness. When we have free time and do not engage in productive activities, we become susceptible to negative inclinations and vain desires. It is during these moments of idleness that we may be tempted to engage in sinful behavior or neglect our religious obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us to utilize our time wisely and engage in activities that bring us closer to Allah. By filling our free time with acts of worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, and engaging in beneficial pursuits, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of vain desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they spend their free time. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in productive and beneficial activities, rather than succumbing to idle pursuits that lead to negative inclinations and vain desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make the most of our time and protect us from the pitfalls of idleness.