Hadith #8155

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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, "كَفى بِالغَفْلَةِ ضَلالاً۔" which translates to

Negligence is enough of a misguidance.

This concise statement holds meaning and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be vigilant and aware of the consequences of negligence in their lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ghaflah) "غَفْلَةِ" refers to negligence or heedlessness. It signifies a state of being unaware or inattentive to one's actions, responsibilities, and the consequences that may arise from them. This negligence can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as neglecting our religious obligations, failing to fulfill our duties towards others, or disregarding the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that this negligence is enough to lead us astray, as it can result in misguidance and deviation from the right path. This misguidance can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. It is crucial for Muslims to reflect upon this impactful Hadith and strive to avoid falling into the trap of negligence.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of being mindful and alert in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

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 reminds us to be conscious of our actions and their consequences, urging us to be mindful of our responsibilities towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Another verse that highlights the significance of avoiding negligence is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence, as it leads to a state of being spiritually blind and deaf, akin to animals who lack understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement compels us to reflect on our own lives and evaluate whether we are being negligent in any aspect. Negligence can lead to missed opportunities for personal growth, strained relationships, and a weakened connection with Allah. It is essential for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement, seeking knowledge, and being mindful of their actions.

For example, neglecting our daily prayers or performing them hastily without proper focus and concentration can be a form of negligence. This can lead to a weakened spiritual connection with Allah and a lack of fulfillment in our worship. Similarly, neglecting the rights of others, whether it be our family, friends, or society at large, can result in strained relationships and a loss of trust.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and avoid negligence in their lives. It highlights the profound consequences that can arise from being heedless and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions, responsibilities, and obligations. By striving to be conscious and aware, we can safeguard ourselves from the misguidance that stems from negligence and lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life as Muslims. May Allah guide us all and protect us from the pitfalls of negligence.