Hadith #1619

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily the [only] concern of quadrupeds is their stomachs.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a fundamental aspect of the nature of animals. The word "bahaim" in Arabic refers to quadrupeds or animals with four legs, and "hammuhunna" means their concern or preoccupation. The word "butunuhunna" specifically refers to their stomachs.

This Hadith draws our attention to the instinctual nature of animals, where their primary focus is on satisfying their basic needs, particularly their hunger. Animals are driven by their natural instincts and are solely concerned with finding sustenance to survive. They do not possess the intellectual capacity to ponder upon higher matters or engage in complex thought processes like human beings.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 38, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There is not an animal that walks upon the earth nor a bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you.

This verse emphasizes the existence of communities among animals, highlighting their social structures and interactions. However, despite their social nature, their primary concern remains their basic needs, particularly their sustenance.

Another verse that sheds light on the instinctual nature of animals is Surah Al-Anfal, verse 22, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the distinction between human beings, who possess intellect and reasoning abilities, and other living creatures, who are driven solely by their instincts.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us as Muslims. While animals are preoccupied with their basic needs, we, as human beings, have been blessed with intellect and reasoning abilities. Our concerns should extend beyond mere survival and the fulfillment of our physical desires. We have been granted the capacity to reflect, ponder, and seek knowledge. Our purpose in life is not limited to the satisfaction of our material needs but also to strive for spiritual growth, moral development, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude. As human beings, we have been provided with abundant blessings and sustenance by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should be grateful for these blessings and utilize them in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our concern should not be limited to our own stomachs but should extend to the well-being of others, particularly those who are less fortunate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the instinctual nature of animals and their preoccupation with their basic needs. As human beings, we have been blessed with intellect and reasoning abilities, and our concerns should extend beyond mere survival. We should strive for spiritual growth, moral development, and the pursuit of knowledge. Additionally, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and the need to extend our concerns to the well-being of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the right path and enable us to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.