Hadith #8441

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Whoever occupies himself with the superfluous, the important matter that he hopes for eludes him.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life and avoiding distractions that divert us from our goals and aspirations.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term (ishtaghal) "اشْتَغَلَ" means to engage or occupy oneself with something. It implies being preoccupied or absorbed in an activity. (al-fudhul) "الفُضُولِ" refers to that which is unnecessary, excessive, or superfluous. It encompasses actions or pursuits that have no real benefit or purpose.

To comprehend the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the essential matters in life and avoiding distractions. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 115, Allah says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our existence is not a mere play or amusement; rather, we have been created for a higher purpose.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. It warns against becoming so engrossed in worldly matters that we neglect our spiritual growth and the pursuit of our eternal abode.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and focus on what truly matters. When we become consumed by trivial matters or engage in activities that have no real benefit, we lose sight of the important goals we hope to achieve. This can have detrimental consequences for our spiritual, personal, and professional growth.

For example, if a student spends excessive time on social media or other forms of entertainment instead of studying diligently, they may fail to achieve the academic success they desire. Similarly, if a person is constantly engrossed in materialistic pursuits and neglects their spiritual development, they may find themselves disconnected from Allah and lacking inner peace.

This hadith also highlights the importance of time management and self-discipline. By being mindful of how we spend our time and ensuring that our actions align with our goals and values, we can avoid wasting precious moments on unproductive or unnecessary activities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and avoid becoming engrossed in superfluous matters. By focusing on what truly matters and aligning our actions with our goals and values, we can strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the important matters in our lives and protect us from distractions that hinder our progress.