Hadith #9594

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the detrimental effects of being excessively engrossed in amusement and jest. To better understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in the Hadith.

The word (najah) "نَجَاحِ" in Arabic refers to prosperity, success, or attaining one's goals. It encompasses both worldly and spiritual success. The phrase (ab'adu al-nas) "أَبْعَدُ النَّاسِ" means

the furthest of all people.

It implies that those who indulge excessively in amusement and jest are the farthest from achieving true success in this life and the hereafter.

To support this teaching, we find several verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of moderation and balance in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse highlights the need for moderation in our worldly pursuits, including amusement and jest. While it is permissible to engage in such activities, excessive indulgence can lead to neglecting our responsibilities and losing sight of our ultimate purpose in life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. While seeking success in the hereafter should be our ultimate goal, we should not neglect our responsibilities and duties in this world. Excessive indulgence in amusement and jest can distract us from fulfilling our obligations and lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to prioritize their efforts towards achieving true success. Excessive preoccupation with amusement and jest can lead to a lack of focus, wasted time, and a neglect of our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

It is important to note that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His words carry great weight and should be heeded by all Muslims. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with its teachings, we can strive for a balanced and purposeful life that leads to true success and prosperity in both this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our efforts and guide us towards true success. May we be mindful of our actions and seek moderation in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.