Hadith #10510

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims regarding the importance of prioritizing our obligations over unnecessary distractions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (preoccupies oneself) "شَغَلَ" and (lets slip by) "ضَيَّعَ". The word "شَغَلَ" refers to engaging oneself in something that is not necessary or essential. It implies being engrossed in trivial matters or indulging in activities that do not contribute to our spiritual growth or fulfillment of our obligations. On the other hand, "ضَيَّعَ" means to let something important or obligatory slip away or be neglected.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Ma'un (Chapter 107), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against neglecting the essential acts of worship and failing to fulfill our obligations towards others. Allah says:

(Quran 107:1-7)

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds]. And withhold [simple] assistance.

This Quranic passage highlights the consequences of neglecting one's obligations and being preoccupied with trivial matters. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties towards others, such as caring for orphans and feeding the poor. Neglecting these obligations is a sign of heedlessness and can lead to severe consequences.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (Chapter 5), verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 5:2)

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing righteous actions and cooperating in acts of goodness. It reminds us that indulging in sin or engaging in aggression is contrary to the teachings of Islam. By preoccupying ourselves with unnecessary matters, we risk neglecting our obligations and failing to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see its relevance in our daily lives. In the modern world, we are often bombarded with distractions that consume our time and energy. These distractions can range from excessive use of social media, mindless entertainment, or excessive pursuit of worldly desires. While it is not inherently wrong to engage in these activities in moderation, the danger lies in allowing them to consume our lives to the point where we neglect our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

For example, if we spend hours scrolling through social media or watching television, neglecting our prayers or failing to fulfill our duties towards our families, neighbors, and society, we are falling into the trap described in the Hadith. By prioritizing unnecessary distractions over our obligations, we risk losing sight of our purpose as Muslims and the ultimate goal of seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The consequences of neglecting our obligations can be far-reaching. We may experience a spiritual void, a sense of emptiness, and a lack of fulfillment. Moreover, neglecting our obligations can have detrimental effects on our relationships, our communities, and society as a whole. By failing to fulfill our responsibilities, we miss out on opportunities to contribute positively to the world around us and to earn the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their obligations over unnecessary distractions. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the consequences of neglecting our duties and the importance of fulfilling our obligations, we can strive to strike a balance in our lives. Let us remember that our time and energy are precious resources, and it is our duty to utilize them wisely in fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. May Allah guide us all to prioritize our obligations and grant us the strength to resist unnecessary distractions.