Hadith #1584

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

There is no joy in a flash of lightning for one who is immersed in darkness.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being in a state of righteousness and guidance in order to truly appreciate and benefit from the blessings and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (بَرْقِ) "barq" refers to lightning, which is a sudden and intense burst of light. It is a natural phenomenon that captivates our attention due to its brilliance and beauty. The word (لاَّمِعِ) "lamia" means shining or gleaming. It conveys the idea of something that is visually striking and captivating.

On the other hand, the word (مُسْتَمْتَعٌ) "mustamta" means to derive pleasure or enjoyment. It implies a state of being able to fully appreciate and benefit from something. Finally, the word (يَخُوضُ) "yakhudhu" means to immerse or be submerged in something.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:122),

Is he who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?

This verse highlights the stark contrast between those who are guided by the light of Allah's guidance and those who are engulfed in darkness due to their ignorance and disobedience. The one who is immersed in darkness, both metaphorically and spiritually, is unable to appreciate and benefit from the blessings and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon them.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:257), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the protector and supporter of the believers, guiding them from the darkness of ignorance and disbelief into the light of knowledge and faith. It is in this state of light and guidance that one can truly experience joy and pleasure in the blessings bestowed upon them.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us that true joy and pleasure can only be experienced by those who are in a state of righteousness and guidance. Just as a person immersed in darkness cannot fully appreciate the beauty and brilliance of a flash of lightning, those who are engulfed in ignorance, sin, and disobedience cannot truly benefit from the blessings and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims to constantly strive for righteousness, seek knowledge, and adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It urges us to purify our hearts from darkness and ignorance, and to immerse ourselves in the light of guidance and faith. Only then can we truly appreciate and benefit from the blessings and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true joy and pleasure can only be experienced by those who are in a state of righteousness and guidance. Just as a person immersed in darkness cannot fully appreciate the beauty and brilliance of a flash of lightning, those who are engulfed in ignorance and sin cannot truly benefit from the blessings and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of light and righteousness, and grant us the ability to fully appreciate and benefit from His blessings.