Hadith #9503

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اللَّذَّةُ تُلْهِي" which translates to "Pleasure distracts." This short but profound statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in understanding the nature of pleasure and its potential consequences.

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (Al-Ladhah) "اللَّذَّةُ" refers to pleasure, enjoyment, or delight. It encompasses the various forms of pleasure that humans seek, whether physical, emotional, or material. (Tulhi) "تُلْهِي" means to distract, divert, or preoccupy. It implies that pleasure has the power to divert one's attention, focus, and priorities away from what truly matters.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the concept of pleasure and its potential distractions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that the allure of worldly pleasures can divert us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This ayah reminds us that the pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting, and they can easily distract us from our true purpose. We are cautioned against becoming so engrossed in seeking worldly pleasures that we neglect our spiritual growth and the pursuit of the pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:26), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the consequences of those who prioritize their own desires and pleasures over their obligations to Allah:

Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances. And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting. And when they saw them, they would say, 'Indeed, those are truly lost.' But they had not been sent as guardians over them. So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers. On adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?

This verse illustrates the consequences of those who prioritize worldly pleasures over their faith. They may mock and ridicule the believers, but ultimately, it is the believers who will be rewarded in the Hereafter while the disbelievers will face the consequences of their actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the potential distractions that pleasure can bring. While it is not inherently wrong to seek enjoyment and pleasure in permissible ways, we must always prioritize our obligations to Allah and ensure that our pursuit of pleasure does not lead us astray.

For example, indulging excessively in worldly pleasures such as material possessions, entertainment, or physical desires can consume our time, energy, and resources. This preoccupation with pleasure can divert our attention from fulfilling our religious duties, such as performing prayers, seeking knowledge, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness.

Moreover, the pursuit of fleeting pleasures can lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth and the development of our character. We may become attached to the temporary joys of this world, losing sight of the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. This can hinder our progress towards attaining the pleasure of Allah and ultimately jeopardize our spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Pleasure distracts" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the potential distractions that pleasure can bring. While it is not forbidden to seek enjoyment and pleasure in permissible ways, we must always prioritize our obligations to Allah and ensure that our pursuit of pleasure does not lead us away from the path of righteousness. By maintaining a balance between seeking pleasure and fulfilling our religious duties, we can navigate the challenges of this world while keeping our focus on attaining the eternal pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to make choices that are pleasing to Him.