Hadith #8567

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

لايُفْلِحُ مَنْ يَسُرُّهُ ما يُضِرُّهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not finding pleasure in things that are harmful to us. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (yasurruhu) "يَسُرُّهُ" in the Hadith refers to finding pleasure or delight. It highlights the state of being content or happy with something. On the other hand, the word (yudirruhu) "يُضِرُّهُ" means to harm or cause damage. It signifies any action or situation that brings about negative consequences or adverse effects.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking what is beneficial and avoiding what is harmful. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:195)

And do not throw yourselves into destruction

This verse cautions us against willingly engaging in actions that bring harm upon ourselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah warns us, (6:121)

And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience

This verse highlights the importance of consuming only that which is permissible and beneficial for our well-being. It reminds us that indulging in harmful substances or engaging in forbidden activities can lead to detrimental consequences.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that true success lies in avoiding those things that bring harm, even if they may initially appear pleasing. It urges us to prioritize our long-term well-being over temporary gratification. For example, a person who is addicted to harmful substances may experience temporary pleasure, but in the long run, they will face severe health issues, financial problems, and social consequences.

Similarly, this Hadith can be applied to various aspects of our lives. For instance, in relationships, it is essential to avoid harmful behaviors such as lying, cheating, or manipulating others, even if they may bring temporary satisfaction. These actions may lead to broken trust, damaged relationships, and emotional distress in the long run.

In the realm of spirituality, this Hadith reminds us to be cautious of indulging in sinful acts that may provide momentary pleasure but ultimately distance us from Allah's mercy and guidance. For instance, engaging in gossip or backbiting may temporarily satisfy our desire for social validation, but it harms our own souls and damages the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with our long-term well-being. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can navigate through life's challenges and make decisions that lead to true success and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their long-term well-being over temporary pleasure. It urges us to avoid actions and situations that bring harm, even if they may initially appear pleasing. By seeking guidance from the Quran and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, we can make choices that lead to true success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make the right decisions and protect us from that which harms us.