Hadith #8768

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dynamic nature of the human heart. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the heart has two states: advancing and retreating. This metaphorical language is used to describe the fluctuating spiritual state of a person's heart.

The word (iqbālan) "إقْبالاً" in the Hadith refers to the advancing or moving forward of the heart. It signifies a state of spiritual motivation and enthusiasm. On the other hand, the word (idbāran) "إدْباراً" refers to the retreating or moving backward of the heart. It signifies a state of spiritual decline or laziness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us on how to deal with these two states of the heart. When the heart is in an advancing state, full of energy and motivation, we are encouraged to engage in supererogatory acts of worship. These are the voluntary acts of worship that go beyond the obligatory acts prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Examples of supererogatory acts include voluntary prayers, fasting outside of Ramadan, and giving extra charity.

This advice aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to go beyond the minimum requirements of faith. In Surah Al-Muzzammil, Allah says, (Quran 73:4-5)

And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation. Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging in the recitation of the Quran with devotion and concentration, going beyond the mere recitation.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse encourages believers to not only fulfill the obligatory acts of prayer and giving zakah but also to join the congregation in prayer and engage in acts of worship beyond the minimum requirements.

On the other hand, when the heart is in a retreating state, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to focus on fulfilling the obligatory acts of worship. These are the acts of worship that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made mandatory upon every Muslim, such as the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving zakah, and performing Hajj for those who are able.

This advice is in line with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the obligatory acts of worship. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says, (Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the contracts and obligations that we have made, including the obligations of worship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith teaches us the importance of understanding the state of our hearts and adapting our worship accordingly. When our hearts are filled with motivation and energy, we should seize the opportunity to engage in supererogatory acts of worship, going beyond the minimum requirements. This not only increases our spiritual growth but also strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, when our hearts are in a state of decline or laziness, we should focus on fulfilling the obligatory acts of worship. By doing so, we maintain the foundation of our faith and prevent ourselves from falling into spiritual negligence.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in guiding us towards a balanced approach to worship. It reminds us that our hearts are not static, but rather constantly changing. By recognizing and adapting to the state of our hearts, we can strive for continuous spiritual growth and maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He bless us with hearts that are always advancing in faith and grant us the strength to fulfill our obligatory acts of worship. Ameen.