Hadith #10545

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to prioritize self-reflection and self-improvement. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (preoccupies) "شَغَلَ", (his own soul) "نَفْسَهُ", (falters) "تَحَيَّرَ", (darkness) "ظُّلُماتِ", and (destruction) "هَلَكاتِ".

The word (preoccupies) "شَغَلَ" implies being engrossed or absorbed in something. It refers to a state where one's attention and focus are diverted away from their own self and their spiritual growth. This preoccupation can take various forms, such as excessive attachment to worldly matters, material possessions, or even the opinions and actions of others.

The phrase (his own soul) "نَفْسَهُ" emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. It highlights the need for individuals to prioritize their own spiritual well-being and to constantly strive for self-improvement. Neglecting one's own soul can lead to a state of confusion and disorientation.

The word (falters) "تَحَيَّرَ" signifies a state of being lost or bewildered. When one becomes preoccupied with matters other than their own soul, they lose their sense of direction and purpose. This state of confusion can lead to making poor decisions and being unable to navigate through the challenges of life.

The term (darkness) "ظُّلُماتِ" metaphorically represents ignorance, spiritual blindness, and the absence of guidance. It refers to a state of being disconnected from the light of knowledge and righteousness. When one neglects their own soul, they find themselves in a state of darkness, devoid of the clarity and guidance that comes from self-awareness and spiritual growth.

The word (destruction) "هَلَكاتِ" signifies ruin, loss, and downfall. It represents the consequences of neglecting one's own soul and being preoccupied with matters that do not contribute to their spiritual well-being. This destruction can manifest in various forms, such as moral decay, emotional turmoil, and a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction in life.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment, and that the real success lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness. When we become preoccupied with worldly matters and neglect our own soul, we lose sight of the true purpose of our existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against following the desires and opinions of others blindly. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for our own actions. Neglecting our own soul and becoming preoccupied with the opinions and actions of others can lead us astray and entangle us in a web of destruction.

Reflecting on these Quranic verses in light of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that the path to spiritual growth and success lies in prioritizing our own self-reflection and self-improvement. By focusing on our own souls and striving for righteousness, we can navigate through the darkness of ignorance and avoid the destructive consequences of neglecting our spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to prioritize their own self-reflection and spiritual growth. By avoiding preoccupation with matters that do not contribute to our spiritual well-being, we can avoid the pitfalls of confusion and destruction. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of self-awareness and righteousness.