Hadith #3465

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,

The treacherous person is one who busies himself with other than his self and his ‘today’ is worse than his ‘yesterday’.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of being preoccupied with matters that do not concern oneself, leading to a decline in one's present state compared to the past.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (kha'in) "خائِنُ" refers to a treacherous person, someone who betrays trust or acts deceitfully. (shaghal) "شَغَلَ" means to occupy oneself or be engrossed in something. (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" translates to oneself, indicating that the treacherous person is preoccupied with matters unrelated to their own self. (yawmuhu) "يَوْمُهُ" refers to one's present day, while (amsihi) "أمْسِهِ" means one's yesterday or past.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. Muslims are reminded to focus on their own actions and deeds, rather than being consumed by the affairs of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:21-22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

So remind, if the reminder should benefit; He who fears [Allah] will be reminded. But the wretched one will avoid it.

This verse highlights the significance of self-awareness and the importance of heeding reminders. The treacherous person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is one who neglects self-reflection and fails to benefit from reminders, leading to a decline in their present state compared to the past.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize self-improvement and self-accountability. When one becomes preoccupied with the affairs of others, they lose sight of their own growth and development. This preoccupation can lead to neglecting one's responsibilities, both towards themselves and towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of being treacherous in this sense are far-reaching. By focusing on matters unrelated to one's own self, individuals may neglect their spiritual, intellectual, and moral development. They may fail to fulfill their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow Muslims. This neglect can result in a decline in their present state, as they become detached from their purpose and lose sight of their true potential.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize self-reflection and self-improvement. By focusing on matters unrelated to one's own self, individuals risk becoming treacherous and neglecting their responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their own growth. It is crucial for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions, seek self-improvement, and strive to be better individuals in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from treachery.