Hadith #7819

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Blessed is the one who reduces his effort in that which does not concern him and exerts all his efforts for that which will save him.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing our efforts and focusing on what truly matters in our lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (himmatuhu) "هِمَّتَهُ" refers to one's effort, determination, or ambition. It signifies the energy and dedication we put into our pursuits. (ya'nihi) "يَعْنِيهِ" means that which concerns or matters to us. It refers to the things that are significant and have a direct impact on our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reduce our efforts in matters that do not concern us. This implies that we should not waste our time and energy on trivial or insignificant matters that do not contribute to our well-being or the betterment of our society. Instead, we should focus our efforts on what truly matters and has a positive impact on our lives and the lives of others.

To further understand the wisdom behind this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

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 reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before engaging in any matter. It cautions us against blindly following or involving ourselves in things that we have no knowledge of. By reducing our efforts in such matters, we protect ourselves from potential harm and avoid wasting our time and resources.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to exert all our efforts for that which will save us. This implies that we should prioritize our actions and dedicate ourselves to matters that have a lasting impact on our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. We should focus on actions that lead to our salvation in this world and the hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of striving for righteousness and seeking salvation. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us that the path to salvation lies in faith, righteous actions, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. By exerting our efforts in these areas, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of our community and society as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious choices in our daily lives. It encourages us to evaluate the significance of our actions and ensure that they align with our ultimate goal of attaining salvation.

By reducing our efforts in trivial matters and focusing on what truly matters, we can lead a purposeful and meaningful life. This requires self-awareness, self-discipline, and a constant evaluation of our actions. Let us strive to follow the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek Allah's guidance in all our endeavors. May Allah grant us the ability to prioritize our efforts and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.