Hadith #4968

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Forgetfulness is the reaper of longing [and desire].

This impactful Hadith holds deep wisdom and insight into the human condition. Let us delve into the meaning of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word used in this hadith is (sulū) "سُلُوُّ", which refers to forgetfulness or negligence. It is derived from the root word (salawa) "سَلَوَ", which means to forget or to be heedless. The word (ḥāṣidu) "حاصِدُ" means reaper or harvester. And the word (ash-shawq) "الشَّوْقِ" translates to longing or desire.

To understand the connotation of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:19), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the consequences of forgetfulness and negligence towards Allah. When individuals become heedless of their Creator, they also become forgetful of their own purpose and essence. They lose sight of their true selves and fall into a state of spiritual emptiness and confusion. This forgetfulness leads to a longing and desire for something meaningful and fulfilling, but it is a longing that remains unfulfilled.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of forgetfulness is in Surah Al-A'raf (7:51), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Those who took the calf [for worship] will surely incur anger from their Lord and humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood].

This verse recounts the story of the Israelites who, in their forgetfulness of Allah's commandments, worshipped a golden calf. Their forgetfulness led them to invent falsehood and engage in idolatry, which resulted in divine anger and humiliation in this world. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of forgetfulness and the dangers of straying from the path of truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith emphasizes the destructive nature of forgetfulness. When we become negligent in remembering Allah and fulfilling our spiritual obligations, we sow the seeds of longing and desire for something that can never truly satisfy us. This longing can manifest in various ways, such as seeking material possessions, power, or worldly pleasures. However, these pursuits only lead to temporary satisfaction and ultimately leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

The consequences of forgetfulness are not limited to our spiritual well-being alone. Forgetfulness can also have detrimental effects on our relationships, personal growth, and overall success in life. When we forget the lessons we have learned, the mistakes we have made, and the values we hold dear, we become prone to repeating past errors and falling into destructive patterns of behavior.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we are reminded of the importance of mindfulness and remembrance of Allah in our daily lives. By cultivating a conscious awareness of our Creator and His guidance, we can guard ourselves against forgetfulness and its negative consequences. Through regular acts of worship, such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, and supplication, we can nourish our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah.

Furthermore, this hadith serves as a motivation for us to strive for self-improvement and personal growth. By actively seeking knowledge, reflecting on our actions, and continuously learning from our experiences, we can prevent forgetfulness from taking hold of our lives. We must be vigilant in remembering our purpose and striving to align our thoughts, words, and deeds with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the destructive nature of forgetfulness and its consequences on our spiritual and worldly affairs. It urges us to be mindful of Allah and to actively seek His remembrance in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the longing and desire that arise from forgetfulness and find true fulfillment in our connection with our Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him and to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.