Hadith #3939

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) emphasizes the importance of seeking a cure for the ailments of this world, just as a sick person seeks treatment. It also highlights the need to avoid the lusts and pleasures of this world, similar to how a sick person avoids certain foods.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (yataḍāwiya) "يَتداوِيَ" means to seek a cure or treatment. It implies actively taking steps to address the problems and challenges that we face in this world. The word (adwā') "أدواءِ" refers to the ailments or afflictions of this world. These can include physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties that we encounter in our daily lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares seeking a cure for the ailments of this world to how a sick person seeks treatment. When someone falls ill, they do not simply ignore their condition and hope for it to go away on its own. Instead, they actively seek medical assistance, take prescribed medications, and make necessary lifestyle changes to regain their health. Similarly, as Muslims, we are encouraged to actively seek solutions to the problems we face in this world, whether they are personal, social, or global.

To support this understanding, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is our duty to face them with patience and seek solutions.

Furthermore, the Hadith advises us to avoid the lusts and pleasures of this world, just as a sick person avoids certain foods. This implies that we should be cautious and selective in our pursuit of worldly desires. Just as a sick person must avoid foods that worsen their condition, we should refrain from indulging in activities or behaviors that are harmful to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Quran provides guidance on this matter as well. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary satisfaction, but they do not provide lasting fulfillment. Therefore, as Muslims, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and seek contentment through obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than chasing after worldly desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to actively seek solutions to the problems we face in this world, just as a sick person seeks treatment. It also advises us to be cautious and selective in our pursuit of worldly desires, avoiding those that are harmful to our well-being. By following this guidance, we can navigate the challenges of this world with wisdom and seek true fulfillment in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to apply these teachings in our lives.