Hadith #7828

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-'adatu 'aduwwun mutamallikun." This Hadith can be translated as,

Habit is an enslaving enemy.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "adat" in Arabic refers to habit or custom. It signifies a repetitive action or behavior that becomes ingrained in an individual's character. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes habit as an "enemy" or "aduww" in Arabic. This term conveys the idea that habit can be detrimental and harmful to a person's spiritual and moral growth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 200:

And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking refuge in Allah when faced with negative influences or temptations.

Habit, if not carefully cultivated, can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. It can become a means through which Satan whispers evil suggestions to us. When we repeatedly engage in sinful actions, they become deeply ingrained in our character, making it difficult to break free from their grip. This is why Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to habit as an "enslaving enemy."

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also reminds us in Surah Al-Isra, verse 81:

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and the importance of adhering to the truth. When we allow negative habits to take hold of us, we are embracing falsehood and straying away from the path of truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of habit. He urges us to be vigilant and conscious of our actions, ensuring that we do not fall into the trap of harmful habits. By recognizing the enslaving nature of habit, we can take proactive steps to break free from its clutches and strive towards spiritual growth and righteousness.

It is important to reflect on our daily routines and habits, assessing whether they align with the teachings of Islam. If we find ourselves engaged in actions that are detrimental to our spiritual well-being, we must make a conscious effort to replace them with positive habits. By doing so, we can break free from the chains of enslavement and cultivate a lifestyle that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their habits and their potential to either uplift or enslave us. By seeking refuge in Allah, adhering to the truth, and consciously striving to break free from negative habits, we can protect ourselves from the enslaving enemy of habit and embark on a path of spiritual growth and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome harmful habits and establish positive ones.