Hadith #10164

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

كَمْ مِنْ بان مالا يَسْكُنُهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

How many a builder has built that which he does not reside in.

This Hadith highlights an important aspect of human behavior and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and intentions.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (builder) "بان" refers to someone who constructs or builds something. The word (that which) "مالا" signifies the object or structure being built. Finally, the word (does not reside in) "يَسْكُنُهُ" indicates that the builder does not live or dwell in the structure they have built.

To understand the beautiful message behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors, including the construction of physical structures. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking Allah's blessings and relying on His sustenance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:127), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This construction was not merely a physical act, but a spiritual endeavor that symbolized the establishment of monotheism and the worship of Allah alone. The Kaaba serves as a reminder that the purpose of any construction should be to honor and worship Allah, rather than seeking personal gain or worldly recognition.

Now, let us reflect on the implications of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, draws our attention to the futility of building something without residing in it. This can be understood in both literal and metaphorical senses.

In the literal sense, it refers to the act of constructing physical structures that serve no purpose or are left abandoned. This could be a reflection of wastefulness and a lack of foresight. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their resources and to utilize them in a manner that benefits themselves and society as a whole. Building something without residing in it implies a disregard for practicality and a failure to fulfill the purpose for which it was built.

In the metaphorical sense, this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of aligning their actions with their intentions. It highlights the need for sincerity and integrity in all aspects of life. Just as a builder who does not reside in their creation lacks a genuine connection to it, Muslims should strive to ensure that their actions are in line with their beliefs and values.

For example, a person who claims to be a devout Muslim but does not uphold the principles of justice, compassion, and honesty in their daily interactions is akin to a builder who constructs a structure but does not reside in it. Such individuals may engage in rituals and outward displays of piety, but their actions do not reflect the true essence of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and intentions. It urges us to align our deeds with our beliefs and to seek Allah's guidance in all our endeavors. Just as a builder who does not reside in their creation lacks a genuine connection to it, Muslims should strive to ensure that their actions are sincere and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to live a life that is pleasing to Him.