Hadith #8760

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the nature of hearts and their tendency to become weary, just like bodies become weary. The word (qulub) "قلوب" refers to hearts, which are the seat of emotions, thoughts, and spiritual inclinations. The word (tamillu) "تمل" means to become weary or tired, indicating that hearts can experience fatigue and exhaustion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to seek out (tara'if al-hikam) "طرائف الحكم", which can be translated as "wise sayings" or "profound wisdom." These wise sayings are meant to rejuvenate and nourish the hearts, providing them with spiritual sustenance and guidance. They serve as a source of inspiration, motivation, and enlightenment for individuals seeking to strengthen their faith and find solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, wisdom, and guidance in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the significance of turning to Allah and seeking His guidance. Just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek wise sayings, Allah encourages us to call upon Him and believe in Him for guidance. By doing so, we can find solace, clarity, and direction for our weary hearts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says: (Quran 39:9)

Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and understanding and those who do not. Those who seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in their lives are the ones who will remember and benefit from it. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to seek out wise sayings to nourish our hearts and keep them spiritually alive.

The consequences of neglecting the nourishment of our hearts can be detrimental. When our hearts become weary and devoid of spiritual sustenance, we may become susceptible to negative influences, doubts, and distractions. This can lead to a decline in our faith, weakening our connection with Allah and hindering our spiritual growth.

On the other hand, when we actively seek out wise sayings and profound wisdom, we can rejuvenate our hearts and strengthen our faith. These wise sayings serve as a reminder of our purpose in life, the importance of seeking knowledge, and the need for constant self-improvement. They inspire us to strive for righteousness, to be mindful of our actions, and to seek the pleasure of Allah in all that we do.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking out wise sayings to nourish our weary hearts. Just as our bodies require rest and rejuvenation, our hearts also need spiritual sustenance to thrive. By seeking knowledge, reflecting upon the wisdom of the Quran, and applying it in our lives, we can keep our hearts alive and connected to Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to seek out the profound wisdom that will nourish our hearts and lead us on the path of righteousness.