Hadith #6891

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,

لالِباسَ أفْضَلُ مِنَ العافِيَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no attire better than well-being.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of good health and well-being, highlighting its superiority over any material possessions or external adornments.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of well-being and good health in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good

This verse highlights the importance of taking care of oneself and avoiding actions that may harm one's well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (Quran 2:264)

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people

This verse warns against seeking recognition and praise from others at the expense of one's well-being and spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true beauty and elegance lie in maintaining good health and well-being. It is a reminder that no matter how richly adorned one may be, without good health, all material possessions lose their value. Just as a person's attire can enhance their appearance, good health enhances one's overall quality of life and enables them to fulfill their responsibilities and worship Allah with ease.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. It encourages us to take care of our bodies and minds, as they are the vessels through which we can fulfill our duties towards Allah and serve humanity. By maintaining good health, we can actively contribute to society, perform acts of worship, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of neglecting our well-being. If we disregard our health, we may face physical ailments, mental distress, and a diminished ability to fulfill our obligations. Neglecting our well-being can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential as Muslims.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance between our material possessions and our well-being. While it is important to dress modestly and present ourselves with dignity, we should never prioritize external appearances over our physical and mental health. By doing so, we can lead fulfilling lives, fulfill our responsibilities, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that there is no attire more valuable than well-being. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health and taking care of ourselves physically and mentally. By prioritizing our well-being, we can lead fulfilling lives, fulfill our duties towards Allah and humanity, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us all good health and well-being.