Hadith #8405

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) is a impactful Hadith that highlights two important aspects of spiritual well-being: the cure for lassitude in the heart and the remedy for negligence in one's perception. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ailment) "داءِ" refers to a spiritual disease or affliction that affects the heart. In this context, it represents the state of lassitude or weariness that can overcome a person's heart. This weariness can manifest as a lack of motivation, enthusiasm, or energy in one's spiritual pursuits. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to cure this ailment through (determination) "عَزيمَة". This determination implies a resolute and unwavering commitment to overcome the weariness and regain spiritual vitality.

To support this exegesis, we find a relevant Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a sound heart that is free from weariness and negligence. It reminds us that the cure for such ailments lies in the determination to seek knowledge, reflect upon the signs of Allah, and listen attentively to His guidance.

Moving on to the second part of the Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to cure the slumber of negligence in our eyes through (alertness) "بِيَقْظَة". Negligence refers to a state of unawareness or inattentiveness towards our spiritual obligations and the signs of Allah around us. It is a state of being spiritually asleep or unaware. The remedy for this slumber is to be alert and vigilant, to be fully present and conscious of our actions and surroundings.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-An'am (6:50) supports this aspect of the Hadith, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?'

This verse highlights the importance of being alert and aware, as the blind cannot be equated with the seeing. It encourages us to reflect upon the signs of Allah and to be vigilant in seeking knowledge and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a call to action for Muslims. It urges us to actively engage in self-reflection, to identify any weariness or negligence in our hearts and perception, and to take the necessary steps to cure these ailments. By cultivating determination and alertness, we can rejuvenate our spiritual well-being and strengthen our connection with Allah.

The consequences of following this advice are profound. By curing the lassitude in our hearts, we regain the motivation and energy to fulfill our religious obligations and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. By overcoming the slumber of negligence in our eyes, we become more aware of the signs of Allah and His guidance, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His blessings. Ultimately, this leads to a heightened sense of spirituality and a closer relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively combat weariness and negligence in their hearts and perception. By cultivating determination and alertness, we can cure these spiritual ailments and embark on a journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to implement these teachings in our lives.