Hadith #8149

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the intoxication of negligence and delusion to the intoxication of wines and alcoholic drinks. The word (sukr) "سُكْرُ" refers to the state of being intoxicated or drunk, and (al-ghaflah) "الغَفْلَةِ" means negligence or heedlessness. The word (al-ghuroor) "الغُرُورِ" means delusion or deception. The transliteration of the Hadith is as follows:

Sukru al-ghaflati wal-ghuroori ab'adu ifaqatan min sukril-khumoor.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against negligence and delusion in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 44:38-41)

And We did not create the heavens and the earth and that between them in play. We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know. Indeed, the Day of Judgement is the appointed time for them all - The Day when no relation will avail a relation at all, nor will they be helped - Except those [believers] on whom Allah has mercy. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.

This verse reminds us that the creation of the heavens and the earth is not a mere play or amusement. It is a serious matter, and we should not be negligent or deluded about the purpose of our existence. Negligence and delusion can lead us astray and prevent us from realizing the truth.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is in Surah Al-A'raf, where Allah says, (Quran 7:165)

And when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We saved those who had forbidden evil and seized those who wronged, with a wretched punishment, because they were defiantly disobeying.

This verse highlights the consequences of negligence and forgetfulness. When people forget the reminders and warnings from Allah, they become susceptible to wrongdoing and disobedience. This state of heedlessness can lead to a wretched punishment in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the intoxication of negligence and delusion to the intoxication of wines and alcoholic drinks to emphasize the severity of the former. While the intoxication of wines and alcoholic drinks may impair one's physical and mental faculties temporarily, the intoxication of negligence and delusion has far-reaching consequences that are harder to recover from.

When a person is intoxicated with negligence and delusion, they become oblivious to their duties and responsibilities towards Allah and their fellow human beings. They become heedless of the consequences of their actions and fail to recognize the signs and reminders from Allah. This state of intoxication can lead to a spiritual decline and distance from Allah.

Just as the intoxication of wines and alcoholic drinks can impair one's judgment and lead to harmful actions, the intoxication of negligence and delusion can cloud one's perception of reality and lead to destructive behavior. It can cause a person to prioritize worldly desires over their spiritual well-being, leading to a life of sin and disobedience.

The recovery from the intoxication of negligence and delusion requires sincere repentance, self-reflection, and a conscious effort to rectify one's actions. It requires a deep understanding of the consequences of one's negligence and a genuine desire to seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and conscious of their actions. It warns against the intoxication of negligence and delusion, which can have severe consequences on our spiritual well-being. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding negligence and delusion, we can strive to lead a life of awareness, mindfulness, and obedience to Allah. May Allah protect us from the intoxication of negligence and delusion and guide us on the straight path.