Hadith #2246

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he expresses his astonishment at the ignorance and lack of awareness displayed by those who are consumed by jealousy, as they remain oblivious to the importance of maintaining their physical well-being.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The term (ghaflah) "غَفْلَةِ" refers to heedlessness or negligence, while (al-hussad) "الحُسَّادِ" refers to the jealous ones. The word (salamat) "سَلَامَةِ" signifies health, and (al-ajsad) "الأَجْسَادِ" refers to the bodies.

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

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

This verse highlights the responsibility of Muslims to take care of themselves and avoid actions that may harm their bodies. It encourages us to spend in the way of Allah, not only in terms of wealth but also in terms of our physical well-being. By doing good and taking care of our bodies, we are fulfilling our duty as believers.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), where Allah warns against excessive indulgence and neglecting one's health. Allah says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance in our lives and not to indulge in excessive behavior that may harm our bodies. It encourages moderation in our actions, including our eating and drinking habits. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we are not only pleasing Allah but also safeguarding our bodies from harm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazement at the heedlessness of the jealous ones regarding the health of their bodies is a reflection of his deep wisdom and knowledge. He recognizes the importance of physical well-being and how it can impact one's overall productivity and spiritual growth.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize their health and well-being. It urges us to be conscious of our bodies and take the necessary steps to maintain good health. By doing so, we can fulfill our obligations as believers and lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

The consequences of neglecting one's health can be far-reaching. Poor physical health can lead to a decrease in productivity, hinder our ability to worship Allah, and negatively impact our relationships with others. By prioritizing our health, we can ensure that we are in the best state to fulfill our duties and serve Allah and His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their physical well-being. It highlights the importance of maintaining good health and the consequences of neglecting it. By taking care of our bodies, we can fulfill our obligations as believers and lead a balanced and fulfilling life. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our health and well-being.