Hadith #10162

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ ضاقَتْ ساحَتُهُ قَلَّتْ راحَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose space is restricted, his comfort is less.

To understand the significance behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (daqat) "ضاقَتْ" comes from the root word (daqa) "ضَاقَ", which means to narrow or restrict. It refers to a situation where one's physical or emotional space is limited, causing a sense of confinement or constraint. The word (sahatuhu) "ساحَتُهُ" refers to one's space or capacity, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects. It can be understood as the personal sphere in which an individual can freely express themselves and find solace.

The word (qallat) "قَلَّتْ" is derived from the root word (qalla) "قَلَّ", which means to decrease or diminish. In this context, it signifies a decrease in comfort or contentment. Finally, the word (rahatuhu) "راحَتُهُ" refers to comfort or ease, indicating the state of tranquility and satisfaction that one experiences.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse highlights the concept of personal capacity and the idea that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on an individual that exceeds their capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of having a spacious and unrestricted sphere in which one can navigate through life's challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Inshirah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (94:5)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse reassures Muslims that after every difficulty, there is ease. It reminds us that even in times of constraint and hardship, comfort and solace will eventually follow. This is in line with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which highlights the correlation between restricted space and diminished comfort.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize creating an environment that allows for personal growth, emotional well-being, and spiritual tranquility. When one's space is limited, whether physically or emotionally, it hinders their ability to find comfort and contentment. This restriction can manifest in various ways, such as being in a toxic relationship, having a demanding job, or being overwhelmed by societal expectations.

By reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to assess their own lives and identify areas where their space may be restricted. It could be a toxic friendship that drains their energy or a cluttered living space that impedes their peace of mind. Once these constraints are recognized, steps can be taken to alleviate them and create a more spacious and conducive environment for personal growth and well-being.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. Muslims are reminded to be mindful of the spaces they create for others, ensuring that they are not the cause of someone else's restricted space and diminished comfort. By fostering an atmosphere of understanding and support, Muslims can contribute to the well-being and contentment of those around them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

One whose space is restricted, his comfort is less,

provides profound insights into the correlation between personal space and comfort. It urges Muslims to prioritize creating an environment that allows for personal growth, emotional well-being, and spiritual tranquility. By reflecting on this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, Muslims can strive to alleviate constraints and foster spaciousness in their lives, ultimately leading to increased comfort and contentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings in our lives.