Hadith #9596

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Amusement is the provision of foolishness.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the detrimental nature of indulging in frivolous and meaningless activities. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (al-lahw) "اللَّهْوُ" refers to amusement, entertainment, or diversion. It encompasses activities that distract one from their responsibilities and obligations. It is important to note that not all forms of amusement are condemned in Islam. Rather, it is the excessive and wasteful indulgence in amusement that is discouraged.

The word (quwwat) "قُوتُ" means provision or sustenance. It refers to something that nourishes and strengthens. In this context, it signifies that amusement serves as a provision, but not a beneficial one. It is a provision that nourishes foolishness and ignorance, leading one away from the path of righteousness.

The word (al-hamaqah) "الحَماقَةِ" translates to foolishness or ignorance. It represents a state of being devoid of wisdom and understanding. Indulging in excessive amusement leads to a neglect of knowledge and a lack of intellectual growth. It hampers one's ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 32:

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly amusements and highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal life in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that indulging excessively in amusement can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse teaches us the importance of distancing ourselves from foolish and ignorant speech or actions. It encourages us to focus on our own deeds and not be influenced by the ignorance of others. Indulging in excessive amusement can expose us to such ignorance and divert our attention from the pursuit of knowledge and righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the time and energy they invest in amusement. While it is important to find moments of relaxation and enjoyment, it should not come at the expense of neglecting our duties and responsibilities as believers.

Excessive indulgence in amusement can lead to a decline in productivity, a lack of focus on spiritual growth, and a waste of valuable time. It is crucial for Muslims to strike a balance between seeking halal forms of entertainment and dedicating themselves to acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true provision lies in seeking knowledge, engaging in acts of worship, and striving for personal and spiritual growth. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to use our time wisely, and may He grant us the ability to distinguish between beneficial and harmful forms of amusement.