Hadith #9071

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 righteous companions.

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

مَنْ تَسَلّى بِالكُتُبِ لَمْ تَفُتْهُ سُلْوَةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever takes solace [and delight] in [reading] books will never lack [any] solace.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tasallā) "تَسَلّى" means to find solace, comfort, or delight. It implies finding peace and tranquility through the act of reading. The word (bil-kutub) "بِالكُتُبِ" refers to books, which encompass various forms of written knowledge. The word (lam tafuthu) "لَمْ تَفُتْهُ" means that one will never be deprived or lacking in something. And finally, the word (sulwah) "سُلْوَةٌ" refers to solace, contentment, or satisfaction.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:17),

And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and finding solace in the words of Allah. The Quran is a source of guidance, comfort, and solace for all Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind.

This verse emphasizes the significance of the Quran as a source of guidance and solace for humanity. It is through the Quran that we can find solace and contentment in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to take solace in books. By engaging in reading and seeking knowledge, we open ourselves up to a world of wisdom and guidance. Books, whether they are religious texts, literature, or educational resources, have the power to enlighten our minds and nourish our souls.

When we find solace in books, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We gain insights into different perspectives, expand our knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills. This pursuit of knowledge not only enriches our lives but also enables us to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.

Moreover, finding solace in books can have profound consequences on our spiritual well-being. Through reading, we can deepen our understanding of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. We can reflect on the verses of the Quran and apply them to our daily lives. This process of reflection and contemplation leads to a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a greater sense of inner peace.

Taking solace in books also serves as a means of escape from the distractions and temptations of the world. In Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse reminds us to prioritize the remembrance of Allah over worldly pursuits. By immersing ourselves in books, we detach from the materialistic aspects of life and focus on acquiring knowledge that brings us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the immense value of finding solace in books. By engaging in reading and seeking knowledge, we open ourselves up to a world of wisdom, guidance, and personal growth. This pursuit of knowledge not only enriches our lives but also strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and brings us inner peace. Let us strive to be people of knowledge and take solace in the words of Allah and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny. May Allah bless us all with the ability to seek knowledge and find solace in the pursuit of wisdom.