Hadith #1378

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مَنِ اسْتَوحَشَ عَنِ النَّاسِ أَنِسَ بِاللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who keeps aloof from the people, becomes intimate with Allah, the Glorified.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (istawhasha) "استوحش" means to distance oneself or keep aloof from others. It implies a voluntary withdrawal from social interactions and worldly attachments. The word (anisa) "أنس" means to become intimate or close. It refers to developing a deep and personal connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah and seeking His pleasure. When a person distances themselves from worldly distractions and focuses on their relationship with Allah, they become more conscious of their actions and strive to please Him. This leads to the purification of the soul and the forgiveness of sins.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the danger of becoming too attached to worldly matters and people, to the extent that they are given the same level of love and devotion as Allah. By keeping aloof from such distractions, one can redirect their focus solely towards Allah, strengthening their love and connection with Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of solitude and introspection in our spiritual journey. When we detach ourselves from the constant noise and distractions of the world, we create an environment conducive to developing a deep connection with Allah. It is during these moments of seclusion that we can reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and seek guidance from the Almighty.

By becoming intimate with Allah, we gain a sense of tranquility and contentment that cannot be found in worldly pursuits. Our hearts become filled with His remembrance, and our actions are guided by His teachings. This intimacy with Allah brings about a transformation in our character, enabling us to embody the qualities of righteousness, compassion, and humility.

Furthermore, distancing ourselves from the people does not mean completely isolating ourselves from society. It means prioritizing our relationship with Allah and seeking His pleasure above all else. We can still engage with others in acts of kindness, charity, and spreading goodness, but our ultimate focus remains on pleasing Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound spiritual benefits of keeping aloof from the distractions of the world and becoming intimate with Allah. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can attain a deep sense of peace, guidance, and contentment. May Allah grant us the ability to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and become close to Him.