Hadith #332

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims,

Do not ask about things which may not happen because you have enough to worry about with what happens.

This amazing Hadith holds great wisdom and guidance for us in our daily lives.

Let us first delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (la tas'al) "لاَتَسْأَلْ" means "do not ask" or "do not inquire." It emphasizes the act of seeking unnecessary information or indulging in futile speculation. The word (amma) "عَمَّا" denotes "about things" or "regarding matters." It refers to the unnecessary curiosity about events or situations that may or may not occur.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from asking about such things because they are uncertain and may never come to pass. Instead, he reminds us to focus on the present and the realities of life, as indicated by the phrase (fa fi alladhi qad kana laka shughul)

فَفِي الَّذِي قَدْ كَانَ لَكَ شُغُلٌ۔

This phrase translates to

because you have enough to worry about with what happens.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and the realities of life. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:101), Allah says,

O you who have believed, do not ask about things which, if they are shown to you, will distress you.

This verse cautions against seeking unnecessary knowledge that may cause distress or confusion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah says,

And when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, 'What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.'

This verse reminds us that what Allah has in store for us is far better than any distractions or worldly pursuits. It encourages us to focus on seeking His pleasure and relying on Him for our sustenance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice aligns with these Quranic teachings. By cautioning against asking about uncertain matters, he directs our attention towards the present and the responsibilities and challenges that we already face. This Hadith encourages us to prioritize our time, energy, and resources on what is tangible and within our control.

For example, instead of obsessing over future events or hypothetical scenarios, we should focus on fulfilling our obligations towards Allah, our families, and our communities. We should strive to improve ourselves, seek knowledge, perform acts of worship, and engage in acts of kindness and charity. By doing so, we can make a positive impact in the present and lay a solid foundation for the future.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also serves as a reminder of the importance of contentment and trust in Allah's divine plan. By accepting that we have enough to worry about with what happens, we acknowledge that Allah is the best of planners and that He knows what is best for us. This perspective allows us to find peace and tranquility in the present moment, knowing that Allah's wisdom and mercy encompass all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to refrain from asking about uncertain matters and instead focus on the present and the realities of life. This guidance aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure, fulfilling our responsibilities, and trusting in His divine plan. By following this advice, we can lead more purposeful and content lives, while relying on Allah for guidance and sustenance. May Allah grant us the wisdom to implement this guidance in our lives.