Hadith #1375

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 righteous companions.

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

ثَمَرةُ الأُنسِ بِاللّهِ الاسْتيحاشُ مِنَ النَّاسِ

which translates to

The fruit of intimacy with Allah is keeping aloof from the people.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the spiritual benefits and consequences of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the subsequent detachment from worldly distractions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. (uns) "أُنس" refers to intimacy, companionship, and closeness. It signifies a deep and personal connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (istihaash) "الاسْتيحاشُ" means to keep aloof, to distance oneself, or to withdraw from others. It implies a detachment from worldly attachments and distractions, including the influence and opinions of people.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support and elucidate the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:162),

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of directing our actions and intentions solely towards Allah, rather than seeking validation or approval from people. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to please Allah, and not to be preoccupied with the opinions and judgments of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages us to seek the company of those who are devoted to Allah and to surround ourselves with individuals who remind us of our purpose and help us strengthen our connection with Allah. By doing so, we distance ourselves from negative influences and distractions that may hinder our spiritual growth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound consequences of seeking intimacy with Allah and detaching oneself from worldly distractions. When we prioritize our relationship with Allah and seek His pleasure above all else, we naturally distance ourselves from the opinions, judgments, and distractions of people. This detachment allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, to purify our intentions, and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

By keeping aloof from the people, we are not advocating for isolation or neglecting our responsibilities towards society. Rather, it is a reminder to prioritize our connection with Allah and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. It is a call to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and societal pressures that may divert us from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the true fruit of intimacy with Allah is the ability to rise above the distractions of this world and to focus on our spiritual journey. It is through this detachment that we can attain true peace, contentment, and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah and to detach themselves from worldly distractions. By seeking intimacy with Allah and keeping aloof from the opinions and judgments of people, we can attain spiritual growth, purify our intentions, and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to seek His pleasure above all else and to distance ourselves from anything that hinders our spiritual progress.