Hadith #10505

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder about the consequences of neglecting one's soul and indulging excessively in worldly pleasures. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ahmala) "أهْمَلَ" in the Hadith refers to neglecting or disregarding one's soul. It implies a lack of attention and care towards the spiritual well-being of oneself. This neglect can manifest in various ways, such as indulging excessively in worldly pleasures, heedlessness of the remembrance of Allah, and neglecting acts of worship and self-reflection.

The phrase (nafsahu fi lathatiha) "نَفْسَهُ في لَذّاتِها" translates to

his soul [as it indulges] in its pleasures.

It highlights the tendency of the human soul to seek immediate gratification and fulfillment through worldly desires and pleasures. This indulgence can lead to a state of heedlessness and spiritual distance from Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that whoever neglects their soul and becomes engrossed in worldly pleasures will ultimately become (shaqiya) "شَقِيَ" - wretched or miserable. This misery stems from the spiritual void and emptiness that results from prioritizing temporary pleasures over the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. It is a state of being disconnected from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the soul's well-being and seeking His pleasure over worldly desires. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:20), Allah says,

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.

This verse highlights the consequences of neglecting the remembrance of Allah, which ultimately leads to forgetting one's own soul and its true purpose.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah reminds us,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse encourages us to strike a balance between the pursuit of worldly provisions and the cultivation of our spiritual well-being. Neglecting the soul in favor of worldly pleasures leads to a state of imbalance and spiritual distance from Allah.

The consequences of neglecting the soul and indulging in worldly pleasures are not limited to the Hereafter but also impact our lives in this world. The pursuit of temporary pleasures often leads to dissatisfaction, restlessness, and a perpetual cycle of seeking more. It hinders our ability to find true contentment and fulfillment. On the other hand, prioritizing the soul's well-being and seeking closeness to Allah brings about inner peace, tranquility, and a sense of purpose.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful words serve as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and strive for a balanced approach to life. It is essential to indulge in permissible pleasures within the boundaries set by Allah, while also nurturing our souls through acts of worship, self-reflection, and seeking knowledge. By doing so, we can avoid the wretchedness and spiritual distance that result from neglecting our souls and instead attain true happiness and closeness to Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and grant us the strength to resist the temptations of worldly pleasures. May He bless us with the ability to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and the pursuit of eternal success. Ameen.