Hadith #8755

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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,

وُقِرَ قَلْبٌ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ أُذُنٌ واعِيَةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Deaf is the heart that does not have an attentive ear.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (waqira) "وُقِرَ" in Arabic means "deaf" or "hard of hearing." It refers to a heart that is incapable of perceiving and understanding the divine message. The word (qalb) "قَلْبٌ" means "heart," which symbolizes the center of human consciousness and spirituality. The phrase (lam yakun lahu udhunun wa'iyyah)

لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ أُذُنٌ واعِيَةٌ

means

that does not have an attentive ear.

It signifies a heart that lacks the ability to actively listen and comprehend the truth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:46)

Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.

This verse highlights that the true blindness lies in the hearts, not in the physical eyes. It emphasizes that the ability to perceive and understand the truth is not solely dependent on physical senses but on the spiritual state of the heart.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 8:22)

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse draws our attention to individuals who possess physical abilities but fail to utilize their intellect and reasoning. It highlights the importance of actively engaging with the divine message and seeking knowledge to avoid spiritual deafness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate an attentive ear and an open heart towards the teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the need to actively listen, comprehend, and internalize the divine guidance found in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

A heart that is deaf to the truth remains disconnected from the spiritual nourishment and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon humanity. Such a heart is unable to recognize the signs of Allah's presence in the world and fails to appreciate the wisdom and beauty of His creation. It becomes susceptible to ignorance, arrogance, and the influence of negative influences.

Conversely, a heart that possesses an attentive ear is receptive to the divine message and seeks to understand and implement it in every aspect of life. It actively engages with the Quran, seeking knowledge, wisdom, and guidance. This heart is open to the signs of Allah's presence and constantly strives to improve itself, seeking closeness to Allah and His pleasure.

The consequences of having a deaf heart are profound. It leads to a spiritual void, a lack of purpose, and a disconnection from the divine. It hinders personal growth, prevents the development of a strong relationship with Allah, and inhibits the ability to make informed and righteous decisions. On the other hand, a heart that possesses an attentive ear is filled with light, guidance, and tranquility. It experiences a deep connection with Allah, finds solace in His remembrance, and becomes a source of goodness and guidance for others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of actively engaging with the Quran, seeking knowledge, and continuously striving to improve their understanding of Islam. It encourages us to develop a heart that is open, receptive, and attentive to the divine message. By doing so, we can attain spiritual growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and become beacons of guidance and righteousness in our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate an attentive ear and an open heart, enabling us to comprehend and implement the teachings of Islam in our lives. May He bless us with the guidance and wisdom to seek knowledge and grow closer to Him. Ameen.