Hadith #9599

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كَثُرَ لَهْوُهُ اُسْتُحْمِقَ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose amusement increases is considered a fool.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (kathura) "كَثُرَ" means to increase or multiply, while (lahw) "لَهْوُهُ" refers to amusement, playfulness, or frivolity. Finally, (ustuhmiq) "اُسْتُحْمِقَ" means to be considered a fool or to be deemed foolish.

In light of the Quran, we find several verses that shed light on the importance of moderation and balance in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse emphasizes the need for moderation in our actions, including our amusements and leisure activities. While it is permissible to engage in amusement and leisure, excessive indulgence in such activities can lead to negligence of our responsibilities and ultimately result in foolishness.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse reminds us that while we should strive for the Hereafter, we should not neglect our worldly responsibilities and obligations. Excessive indulgence in amusement and entertainment can divert our attention from fulfilling our duties towards Allah and society, leading to foolishness and neglect of our ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of excessive amusement in this Hadith. When one's focus shifts solely towards seeking amusement and pleasure, they become heedless of their responsibilities and lose sight of the bigger picture. This can lead to a lack of wisdom and understanding, ultimately resulting in foolishness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to strike a balance in our lives, enjoying permissible amusements and leisure activities in moderation, while never losing sight of our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. By maintaining this balance, we can avoid the pitfalls of excessive indulgence and ensure that we remain focused on our ultimate purpose in life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation in our amusements and leisure activities. Excessive indulgence in such pursuits can lead to negligence of our responsibilities and ultimately result in foolishness. By striking a balance and remaining mindful of our obligations towards Allah and society, we can avoid the pitfalls of excessive amusement and ensure that we lead a purposeful and fulfilling life as Muslims. May Allah guide us all on the path of moderation and wisdom.