Hadith #6776

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنِ انْفَرَدَ عَنِ النّاسِ أَنِسَ بِاللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who isolates himself from the people becomes intimate with Allah, the Glorified.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (infarada) "انفرد" in Arabic means to separate oneself or to isolate oneself. It refers to the act of distancing oneself from others and seeking solitude. On the other hand, the word (anisa) "أَنِسَ" means to become intimate or close. It signifies developing a deep and personal connection with someone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the spiritual benefit of solitude and seclusion. By isolating oneself from the distractions and noise of the world, one can find solace and tranquility in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This seclusion allows for a deeper connection with the Divine, leading to a heightened sense of intimacy with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the concept of seeking solitude and developing a close relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 94:7-8)

So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct your longing

This verse emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after fulfilling our worldly responsibilities, indicating the need for seclusion and devotion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Muzzammil, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 33:33)

And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance

This verse encourages believers to spend time in seclusion, focusing on their personal relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than seeking attention and recognition from others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the importance of solitude in our spiritual journey. By isolating ourselves from the distractions of the world, we can create an environment conducive to deep reflection, self-improvement, and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is in these moments of seclusion that we can truly find solace and develop a profound intimacy with the Divine.

However, it is essential to strike a balance between solitude and engagement with the community. Islam emphasizes the importance of communal obligations and the need to serve others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this balance by actively participating in society while also seeking moments of seclusion for spiritual nourishment.

Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) should not be understood as advocating complete isolation from society. Rather, it encourages us to find a balance between engaging with the community and seeking moments of seclusion to enhance our spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the spiritual benefits of solitude and seclusion. By isolating ourselves from the distractions of the world, we can develop a deep and intimate connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, it is crucial to strike a balance between solitude and engagement with the community, as Islam emphasizes the importance of communal obligations. May we all find moments of seclusion to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to serve our fellow Muslims.