Hadith #1377

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,

One who is intimate with Allah keeps aloof from the people.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (inis) "انِسَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who is intimate and close to Allah. It signifies a deep connection and closeness to the Divine. This intimacy is a result of sincere devotion, constant remembrance, and unwavering trust in Allah. It is a state of the heart where one finds solace and tranquility in the presence of their Creator.

On the other hand, the phrase (istawhasha minan-nas) "اِسْتَوحَشَ مِنَ النَّاسِ" translates to

keeps aloof from the people.

It implies that those who have a strong bond with Allah tend to distance themselves from worldly distractions and the influence of others. They prioritize their relationship with Allah over worldly attachments and seek seclusion to focus on their spiritual growth.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah emphasizes the importance of seeking His company and turning away from the distractions of the world. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45), Allah says,

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

Here, Allah highlights the significance of prayer and remembrance as a means to draw closer to Him. By engaging in acts of worship and dedicating time to remember Allah, one can develop a strong bond with the Divine and find solace in His presence. This closeness to Allah naturally leads to detachment from worldly distractions and a desire to seek seclusion for spiritual nourishment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:22), Allah says,

You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the love and obedience of Allah over any worldly relationships. It signifies that true believers, who have a deep connection with Allah, will naturally distance themselves from those who oppose the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact of being close to Allah. When one develops an intimate relationship with the Divine, they become less influenced by the opinions and actions of others. Their focus shifts towards pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure above all else. This detachment from worldly distractions allows them to maintain their spiritual purity and remain steadfast in their faith.

The consequences of being intimate with Allah and keeping aloof from the people are profound. It leads to a heightened sense of self-awareness, increased piety, and a stronger connection with the Creator. By prioritizing their relationship with Allah, individuals are able to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and resilience. They are less swayed by societal pressures and are guided by the principles of Islam in their actions and decisions.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our relationship with Allah. By seeking His company and distancing ourselves from worldly distractions, we can attain a state of tranquility and spiritual fulfillment. Let us strive to be among those who are intimate with Allah, for it is through this closeness that we find true peace and guidance in our lives.

May Allah grant us the ability to develop a deep connection with Him and keep us steadfast on the path of righteousness. Ameen.