Hadith #5212

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

Mani shta'ghala bi ghayri al-muhim dayya'a al-ahamma,

which translates to

One who is occupied by the unimportant loses that which is more important.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing our actions and focusing on what truly matters in life.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word "ghayr" refers to something that is other than or different from, while "muhim" signifies that which is important or significant. "Dayya'a" means to lose or waste, and "aham" refers to something that is more important or crucial.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our actions and focusing on what truly matters. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115),

Did you then think that We had created you in jest (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?

This verse reminds us that our existence has a purpose, and we will be held accountable for how we utilize our time and resources.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. It reminds us that while we should not neglect our worldly duties, we must always prioritize our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to evaluate their actions and ensure that they are not wasting their time and energy on trivial matters. It urges us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious efforts to focus on what truly matters in the grand scheme of things.

For example, in our daily lives, we may find ourselves engrossed in trivial matters such as excessive social media usage, mindless entertainment, or materialistic pursuits. While these activities may provide temporary pleasure or distraction, they often divert our attention from more important matters such as worship, seeking knowledge, fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families and communities, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness.

By prioritizing the important aspects of life, we can achieve a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and spiritual growth. We can make the most of our time and resources, ensuring that we are investing in actions that will benefit us in this world and the Hereafter. This Hadith also serves as a reminder to avoid procrastination and to seize opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

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

One who is occupied by the unimportant loses that which is more important

emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our actions and focusing on what truly matters in life. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which urge us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. By reflecting on our priorities and making conscious efforts to focus on what truly matters, we can lead purposeful and fulfilling lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in prioritizing the important aspects of life and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.