Hadith #8288

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ما كُلُّ مَفْتُون يُعاتَبُ۔

This can be translated as,

Not everyone who is enthralled is reproached.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (maftoon) "مَفْتُون" in this Hadith refers to someone who is captivated or infatuated by something or someone. It signifies being under the influence of a particular desire, emotion, or temptation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that not everyone who falls into such a state is necessarily deserving of blame or reproach.

To understand the wisdom behind this statement, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:286)

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

This verse reminds us that Allah is just and merciful, and He does not hold us accountable for things beyond our control. Similarly, not everyone who is captivated by something is necessarily at fault, as they may be facing a trial or test from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:28)

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse emphasizes that the trials and tribulations we face in life, including being captivated by worldly desires, are tests from Allah. They serve as opportunities for us to demonstrate our faith, patience, and obedience to Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that not everyone who is enthralled by something is deserving of reproach because we do not know the inner struggles and tests they are facing. They may be sincerely striving to overcome their captivation and seeking Allah's forgiveness. Therefore, it is not our place to judge or condemn them.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion towards our fellow Muslims. Instead of immediately reproaching or criticizing someone who appears captivated by something, we should strive to understand their circumstances and offer support and guidance. We should remember that we all have our own weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and it is through kindness and understanding that we can help one another grow closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that not everyone who is enthralled or captivated by something is deserving of blame or reproach. We should approach others with empathy and compassion, recognizing that they may be facing their own trials and tests from Allah. By doing so, we can foster a sense of unity and understanding within the Muslim community, and strive to uplift one another on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and compassion to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran.