Hadith #8184

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

الْغَمُّ يَقْبِضُ النَّفْسَ، وَيَطْوِي الْإِنْبِسَاطَ

This Hadith can be translated as,

Grief makes one dispirited and ends one’s joy.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (grief) "الْغَمُّ" refers to a state of deep sorrow, sadness, or distress. It is a feeling that weighs down on the heart and mind, causing one to feel dispirited and disheartened. This grief can arise from various sources, such as the loss of a loved one, failure, disappointment, or any other challenging circumstances that one may face in life.

The phrase (makes one dispirited) "يَقْبِضُ النَّفْسَ" highlights the impact of grief on the soul. It conveys the idea that grief has the power to constrict and tighten the soul, diminishing its vitality and enthusiasm. It can drain one's energy, leaving them feeling emotionally and spiritually depleted.

Furthermore, the phrase (ends one’s joy) "وَيَطْوِي الْإِنْبِسَاطَ" emphasizes how grief can extinguish the joy and happiness that one experiences in life. It folds and wraps up the expansiveness of joy, leaving one in a state of desolation and despair.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yusuf (12:84), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his father Yaqub (Jacob). When Yaqub was informed of the loss of his beloved son Yusuf, he was overwhelmed with grief, to the point that his eyes turned white from constant weeping. This grief had a profound impact on his soul, causing him to lose his sight and experience immense sorrow.

In Surah Al-Hijr (15:97), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the consequences of grief and sorrow on the heart:

And We know that your breast is constrained by what they say.

This verse highlights how grief can constrict the heart, making it difficult to find solace and peace.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers not to be saddened by the losses they may face in battles, saying,

And do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

This verse reminds us that excessive grief can weaken our resolve and hinder our ability to overcome challenges.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the detrimental effects of grief on our well-being. While it is natural to experience sadness and sorrow in the face of difficulties, we must strive to maintain a balanced perspective and seek solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Excessive grief can lead to a state of emotional and spiritual stagnation, hindering our ability to move forward and find joy in life. It is important to remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of comfort and relief. Turning to Him in times of distress and seeking His guidance can help alleviate the burden of grief and restore inner peace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening words remind us of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. By seeking solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and finding strength in our faith, we can overcome grief and find joy in the blessings that surround us.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to cultivate resilience and contentment in our lives, knowing that grief is a temporary state that can be overcome through patience, faith, and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to face challenges with grace and the ability to find joy and peace in His remembrance.