Hadith #5021

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) advises us to stay awake during the night, to keep our stomachs empty, and to give away from our possessions for the betterment of our souls. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Keep vigil at night.

This encourages us to engage in acts of worship during the night, such as praying, reciting the Quran, and seeking closeness to Allah. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:2-4):

Stand (to pray) all night, except for a little - Half of it - or subtract from it a little. Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending the night in prayer and devotion to Allah.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to

make your stomachs lean.

This means to control our desires and refrain from indulging in excessive food and drink. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31):

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 eat in moderation and not to overindulge, as excessiveness in food can lead to spiritual and physical harm.

The third part of the Hadith instructs us to

take away from your bodies so that you may be generous with it upon your souls.

This teaches us the importance of giving in charity and being generous with our possessions. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267):

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the significance of giving from what we have earned and not just from what is left over.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding us towards a balanced and disciplined lifestyle. By staying awake at night for worship, we can strengthen our connection with Allah and seek His forgiveness and guidance. By controlling our desires and refraining from excessive consumption, we can maintain physical and spiritual well-being. And by giving in charity and being generous, we can purify our souls and attain closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. Through this Hadith, he reminds us of the importance of self-discipline, selflessness, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. By following these teachings, we can strive to become better Muslims and fulfill our purpose in this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.