Hadith #5211

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

كُنْ مَشْغُولاً بِما أنْتَ عَنْهُ مَسْؤُلٌ۔

This impactful saying can be translated as,

Occupy yourself with that which you are answerable for.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mashghool) "مَشْغُولٌ" in the Hadith refers to being occupied or engaged in something. It implies being fully engrossed and focused on a particular matter. The word (mas'ool) "مَسْؤُلٌ" means being accountable or responsible for something. It signifies the duty and obligation that one has towards a certain matter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and being accountable for our actions in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the significance of being cautious and mindful of our actions. We should not engage in matters that we have no knowledge of, as we will be held accountable for our choices. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this message, urging us to focus on the things for which we will be answerable.

Another verse that complements the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:51), where Allah says,

And do not make [as equal] with Allah another deity. Indeed, I am to you from Him a clear warner.

This verse reminds us of our responsibility to worship Allah alone and not associate partners with Him. It emphasizes the importance of being occupied with the worship of Allah and fulfilling our duties towards Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to prioritize our obligations and responsibilities. It reminds us to focus on fulfilling our duties towards Allah, our families, our communities, and ourselves. By doing so, we ensure that we are actively engaged in matters that hold significance and will bring us closer to Allah.

For instance, a Muslim should be occupied with fulfilling their daily prayers, giving charity, seeking knowledge, and maintaining good character. These are actions for which we will be held accountable in the Hereafter. By prioritizing these responsibilities, we align our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to avoid distractions and futile pursuits. In today's fast-paced world, we are often tempted to engage in activities that do not contribute to our spiritual growth or benefit us in the long run. This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of how we spend our time and energy, ensuring that we are focused on matters that have lasting value.

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

Occupy yourself with that which you are answerable for

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their responsibilities and obligations. It urges us to be engaged in actions that will bring us closer to Allah and benefit us in this life and the Hereafter. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, fulfilling our duties towards Allah and His creation. May Allah guide us all to be mindful of our responsibilities and grant us the strength to fulfill them.