Hadith #9894

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اللُّؤْمُ مَعَ الاِمْتِنانِ۔" This can be translated as

There is wickedness with obligation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the significance of the key words.

The word (lu'm) "لُؤْمُ" refers to wickedness, evil, or harm. It signifies actions or behaviors that are morally wrong or detrimental. It is important to note that this term encompasses both physical and spiritual harm.

On the other hand, the word (imtinan) "اِمْتِنانِ" refers to obligation or duty. It refers to the responsibilities and duties that are incumbent upon individuals. These obligations can be religious, social, or personal in nature.

To shed light on the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

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

This verse emphasizes the concept of moderation in obligations. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not burden His creation with responsibilities that exceed their capabilities.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 78, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (22:78)

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 highlights the fact that Islam is a religion of ease and simplicity. It does not impose unnecessary hardships or burdens on its followers.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It reminds us that while fulfilling our obligations is crucial, we must be mindful of the potential for wickedness to arise in the process. This wickedness can manifest in various ways.

For example, when individuals become overly obsessed with fulfilling their obligations, they may neglect other important aspects of their lives, such as their relationships, personal well-being, or spiritual growth. This imbalance can lead to negative consequences, such as neglecting the rights of others, becoming self-righteous, or even developing a sense of superiority over others.

Furthermore, when obligations are imposed without considering the capabilities and circumstances of individuals, it can lead to undue stress, anxiety, and even spiritual harm. Islam emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including fulfilling our obligations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to approach their obligations with mindfulness and wisdom. It encourages us to strike a balance between fulfilling our duties and maintaining a holistic and healthy lifestyle. This entails recognizing our limitations, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and being compassionate towards ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

There is wickedness with obligation

reminds us of the potential pitfalls that can arise when fulfilling our duties. It urges us to approach our obligations with moderation, mindfulness, and a deep understanding of our capabilities and limitations. By doing so, we can strive to lead a balanced and fulfilling life, pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to fulfill our obligations in the best possible manner.