Hadith #1360

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 purified Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المؤمن يعاف اللهو، ويألف الجد

Transliterated, it reads,

Al-mu'minu ya'afu al-lahw, wa ya'alfu al-jidd.

This Hadith highlights the characteristics of a true believer. The word "ya'afu" means to loathe or abstain from, while "ya'alfu" means to like or be inclined towards. "Al-lahw" refers to idle play or frivolous activities, while "al-jidd" refers to hard work or serious endeavors.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am, verse 32:

(Quran 6:32)

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. A true believer recognizes the fleeting nature of idle play and does not become engrossed in it. Instead, they prioritize their efforts towards actions that will benefit them in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 28:77)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages believers to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their pursuit of the Hereafter. It reminds us that while we should not become attached to the material aspects of this world, we should still fulfill our obligations and engage in good deeds. A true believer understands the importance of hard work and strives to excel in their worldly endeavors, all while keeping their ultimate goal of the Hereafter in mind.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that a believer should not waste their time in idle play or engage in frivolous activities that do not bring them closer to Allah. Instead, they should be diligent in their efforts, working hard to fulfill their responsibilities and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. By doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to their faith and their understanding of the transient nature of this world.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they spend their time and energy. It encourages us to prioritize meaningful and purposeful actions that align with the teachings of Islam. By avoiding idle play and embracing hard work, we can cultivate a strong sense of discipline, productivity, and devotion to Allah. Ultimately, this leads to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life, both in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the strength to implement them in our lives. May He bless us with the ability to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our pursuit of the Hereafter. Ameen.