Hadith #6888

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 emphasizes the significance of well-being in both religion and the worldly life. The key words in this Hadith are (well-being) "العافِيَةَ", (religion) "الدّينِ", and (this world) "الدُّنيا".

The word (well-being) "العافِيَةَ" refers to a state of being free from harm, affliction, and distress. It encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a state of tranquility and contentment that allows a person to fulfill their obligations and live a fulfilling life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that well-being is not limited to the realm of religion alone, but it also extends to the worldly life. This indicates that Islam recognizes the importance of balance and harmony between the spiritual and material aspects of human existence.

To further understand the significance of well-being in religion and this world, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and limitations. He does not impose upon us burdens that are beyond our capacity. Instead, He wants us to live a life of well-being, where we can fulfill our religious obligations without being overwhelmed.

In Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty...

This verse emphasizes that the path of religion should not be burdensome or excessively difficult. It is a call to strive in the way of Allah with sincerity and dedication, while also maintaining a sense of well-being and balance in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes well-being as a

great (or beautiful) blessing

and a "bountiful gift." This highlights the immense value and importance of well-being in both the religious and worldly spheres.

When a person experiences well-being in their religion, they are able to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with ease and devotion. They find solace in their prayers, derive guidance from the Quran, and are motivated to perform good deeds. This leads to a deepening of their faith and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, well-being in this world encompasses various aspects such as physical health, financial stability, harmonious relationships, and a sense of purpose. When a person is in a state of well-being in these areas, they are better equipped to fulfill their responsibilities towards themselves, their families, and society as a whole.

Moreover, well-being in this world can also have positive effects on a person's spiritual well-being. When one's worldly affairs are in order, they are less likely to be distracted or consumed by anxieties and stress. This allows them to focus more on their spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher virtues.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of well-being in religion and this world. It reminds us that Islam encourages a balanced approach to life, where we strive for both spiritual and material well-being. By seeking well-being in our religion and worldly affairs, we can lead fulfilling lives and fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us all well-being in this world and the hereafter.