Hadith #3272

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily your natural disposition invites you towards that which you are familiar with.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the innate inclination of human beings towards what they are accustomed to or familiar with. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taba'aka) "طِباعَكَ" in the Hadith refers to one's natural disposition or innate nature. It encompasses the inherent tendencies, inclinations, and preferences that are ingrained within an individual. This natural disposition is a fundamental aspect of human beings and plays a significant role in shaping their actions and choices.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has mentioned the concept of natural disposition in the Quran in various verses. For example, in Surah Ar-Rum (30:30), Allah says,

So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people.

Here, the term "fitrah" refers to the natural disposition that Allah has bestowed upon every individual. It is this fitrah that guides individuals towards recognizing and submitting to the truth.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:119), Allah warns against following the footsteps of Satan, saying,

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze.

This verse highlights the importance of being aware of our natural inclinations and ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. It serves as a reminder that our innate tendencies can either lead us towards righteousness or towards the path of destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes the influence of our natural disposition on our choices and actions. It reminds us that we are often drawn towards what we are familiar with, whether it be good or bad. This inclination can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can lead us towards virtuous deeds and righteous actions if we have been brought up in an environment that nurtures piety and goodness. On the other hand, if we have been exposed to negative influences and surrounded by sinful behaviors, our natural disposition may steer us towards wrongdoing.

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be mindful of the environment they are in and the company they keep. Surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals and seeking knowledge from authentic sources can help shape our natural disposition in a positive direction. By immersing ourselves in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, we can train our innate tendencies to align with the values and principles of Islam.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder that we have the ability to change and mold our natural disposition. While our innate tendencies may initially draw us towards what we are familiar with, it is within our power to transform ourselves and strive for what is right, even if it may be unfamiliar or challenging. This requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and a sincere desire to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the influence of our natural disposition on our choices and actions. It reminds us of the importance of being aware of our innate tendencies and ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By seeking knowledge, surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals, and striving to transform our natural inclinations, we can navigate our way towards righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the straight path and enable us to overcome our natural inclinations in favor of what is pleasing to Him.