Hadith #8152

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فِي السُّكُونِ إلَى الغَفْلَةِ اِغْتِرارٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Taking repose in negligence is delusion.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (sukun) "سُّكُونِ" refers to tranquility, calmness, or repose. It signifies a state of rest or relaxation. On the other hand, (al-ghaflah) "الغَفْلَةِ" means negligence or heedlessness. It refers to a state of being unaware or inattentive to the remembrance of Allah and the responsibilities of a Muslim.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against falling into a state of negligence. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah says,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the consequences of negligence, where individuals become like cattle, lacking understanding, sight, and hearing. They are oblivious to the guidance of Allah and fail to fulfill their purpose in life. Negligence leads to a state of delusion, where one is deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world and forgets the ultimate reality of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the danger of seeking repose in negligence. This statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain vigilant and conscious of their actions, thoughts, and intentions. It urges us to constantly strive for self-improvement and spiritual growth.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability. We must constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Taking repose in negligence can have severe consequences in both this world and the Hereafter. It can lead to a loss of blessings, missed opportunities for spiritual growth, and a weakened relationship with Allah. Negligence can also result in harmful consequences for society, as individuals fail to fulfill their responsibilities towards their families, communities, and the wider ummah.

As Muslims, we are called to be proactive and engaged in our pursuit of knowledge, worship, and righteous deeds. We must strive to be aware of our surroundings, the needs of others, and the signs of Allah's guidance. Negligence can hinder our progress and prevent us from attaining the true success and happiness that lies in the remembrance of Allah and the fulfillment of our duties as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid seeking repose in negligence. It warns against the delusion that comes with being heedless of Allah's guidance and the responsibilities of a believer. By being vigilant, self-reflective, and actively engaged in our pursuit of righteousness, we can safeguard ourselves from the pitfalls of negligence and strive towards a life of purpose, fulfillment, and closeness to Allah. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the dangers of negligence.