Hadith #7824

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Whoever occupies himself with that which is unnecessary, it causes him to lose [what is more to] his benefit.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of prioritizing our actions and focusing on what truly matters in our lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ishtaghal) "اشْتَغَلَ" refers to engaging or occupying oneself with something. (bi ghayri darooratihi) "بِغَيْرِ ضَرُورَتِهِ" means without necessity or without a genuine need. And (fawwatahu) "فَوَّتَهُ" means to lose or miss out on something.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in actions that are beneficial for our spiritual growth and the betterment of society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against being distracted by the temporary pleasures of this world:

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our actions and focus on what truly matters. When we occupy ourselves with unnecessary matters, we not only waste our time and energy but also miss out on the greater benefits that could have been attained.

For example, if a person spends excessive time on social media or indulges in idle gossip, they are diverting their attention from more important matters such as seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, or engaging in acts of kindness and charity. By doing so, they not only lose the opportunity to gain rewards in this life and the Hereafter but also hinder their personal growth and development.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-awareness. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and evaluate whether they align with our ultimate goals and values. By consciously choosing to engage in activities that are necessary and beneficial, we can make the most of our time and strive towards becoming better Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and focus on what truly matters. By avoiding unnecessary distractions and engaging in beneficial endeavors, we can maximize our potential for personal growth and spiritual development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and efforts.