Hadith #9600

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ كَثُرَ لَهْوُهُ قَلَّ عَقْلُهُ۔

This translates to,

One whose amusement increases, his intelligence decreases.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of excessive indulgence in amusement and entertainment.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (kathura) "كَثُرَ" means to increase or multiply, while (lahw) "لَهْوُهُ" refers to amusement or entertainment. Finally, (qalla) "قَلَّ" signifies a decrease or reduction, and (aql) "عَقْلُهُ" refers to intelligence or intellect.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 43, Allah says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and understanding, which are closely linked to intelligence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, Allah states,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and understanding, as those who do not utilize these faculties are likened to livestock, devoid of guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns against excessive indulgence in amusement and entertainment, as it can divert one's attention from intellectual pursuits and hinder the development of one's intellect. When a person becomes engrossed in constant amusement, they may neglect activities that stimulate their intellect, such as reading, reflection, and seeking knowledge. Consequently, their intelligence may diminish, and they may become less capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and making sound decisions.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between leisure and intellectual pursuits. Islam encourages us to engage in permissible forms of amusement and relaxation, but it also emphasizes the importance of nurturing our intellect and seeking knowledge. By doing so, we can enhance our understanding of the world, strengthen our faith, and contribute positively to society.

Let us reflect on our own lives and assess whether we have struck a balance between amusement and intellectual growth. Are we spending excessive time on trivial entertainment, neglecting our intellectual development? Are we engaging in activities that stimulate our intellect and increase our knowledge? By pondering upon these questions, we can strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam and ensure the growth of our intelligence.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the impact of excessive amusement on our intellect. By striking a balance between leisure and intellectual pursuits, we can nurture our intelligence, seek knowledge, and fulfill our responsibilities as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our intellectual growth and use our intellect in His obedience.