Hadith #9488

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the state of the hearts of people who are misguided and unaware of the right path. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, describes the hearts as (heedless of right guidance) "لاهِيَةٌ مِنْ رُشْدِها", (too hard to accept their [good] fortune) "قاسِيَةٌ عَنْ حَظِّها", and (traversing on the wrong paths as though the one being addressed is someone else)

سالِكَةٌ في غَيْرِ مِضْمارِها

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guidance and the consequences of being misguided. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:6-7)

Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment

This verse highlights the state of those whose hearts are heedless of right guidance. They are unable to accept the truth and are sealed off from it. Their hearts have become hardened due to their disbelief and rejection of the message. Similarly, in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, Allah says, (Quran 83:14)

No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning

The phrase (too hard to accept their [good] fortune) "قاسِيَةٌ عَنْ حَظِّها" in the Hadith refers to the hearts that are resistant to accepting the blessings and guidance from Allah. This resistance stems from arrogance, ignorance, or a lack of faith. Allah warns us in the Quran, (Quran 43:36)

And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion

Such hearts are unable to recognize the blessings and guidance bestowed upon them by Allah. They fail to appreciate the favors and provisions granted to them, leading them to be ungrateful and unresponsive to the call of truth. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 7:78)

But they denied him, so the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone

The phrase (traversing on the wrong paths as though the one being addressed is someone else)

سالِكَةٌ في غَيْرِ مِضْمارِها

in the Hadith highlights the state of those who are misguided and unaware of their true purpose in life. They are like wanderers who have lost their way, unaware that they are on the wrong path. Allah warns us in the Quran, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind

These individuals are preoccupied with worldly pursuits and are oblivious to the true meaning and purpose of their existence. They prioritize material gains over spiritual growth and fail to realize that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and following the path of righteousness. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 28:15)

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy'

The consequences of having hearts that are heedless of right guidance, resistant to accepting blessings, and traversing on the wrong paths are severe. It leads to a life of spiritual emptiness, confusion, and misguidance. Such individuals are easily swayed by the whispers of Shaytan and are prone to making wrong choices and decisions. They become distant from Allah and are deprived of His mercy and guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be vigilant and conscious of the state of our hearts. We must strive to seek guidance from Allah, accept His blessings with gratitude, and stay on the right path. May Allah guide us all and keep our hearts steadfast on the path of righteousness.