Hadith #1525

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لابَشاشَةَ مَعَ إبْرام۔" This can be translated into English as,

There is no cheerfulness with annoyance.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (labashashata) "لابَشاشَةَ" in this Hadith refers to cheerfulness, joy, or happiness. It is a state of being content and satisfied, where one's heart is filled with positivity and tranquility. On the other hand, the word (ibrām) "إبْرام" means annoyance, displeasure, or frustration. It represents a state of agitation, restlessness, or unease.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus, verse 58:

Say, 'In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.'

This verse emphasizes that true happiness and cheerfulness come from recognizing and appreciating the blessings and mercy of Allah. It is not dependent on material possessions or worldly achievements.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Or that Allah may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's punishment)?

This verse highlights the consequences of engaging in actions that displease Allah. Such actions lead to restlessness, anxiety, and a lack of inner peace. Therefore, annoyance and displeasure are the natural outcomes of straying away from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true cheerfulness cannot coexist with annoyance or displeasure. When we allow annoyance to dominate our hearts, it hinders our ability to experience genuine happiness and contentment. It disrupts our inner peace and prevents us from fully appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah.

For example, imagine a person who is constantly irritated by the actions or behavior of others. Their annoyance becomes a barrier to their own happiness. They are unable to find joy in the simple pleasures of life or appreciate the beauty around them. Their focus on negativity prevents them from cultivating a positive and cheerful mindset.

On the other hand, a person who strives to maintain a state of contentment and gratitude, despite facing challenges or difficulties, experiences true cheerfulness. They understand that life is a test, and every trial is an opportunity for growth and spiritual elevation. They find solace in the remembrance of Allah and seek His guidance in all matters. Their cheerfulness is not superficial or fleeting; it is rooted in their unwavering faith and trust in Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true cheerfulness cannot coexist with annoyance or displeasure. It reminds us to prioritize gratitude, contentment, and the remembrance of Allah in our lives. By doing so, we can overcome restlessness and find lasting happiness and tranquility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate genuine cheerfulness and protect us from the traps of annoyance and displeasure.