Hadith #11305

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to confine our endeavors to that which is necessary for us and to refrain from involving ourselves in matters that do not concern us. This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of focusing our energy and attention on what truly matters in our lives.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (himmatuka) "هِمَّتَكَ" refers to one's endeavor, effort, or ambition. It signifies the determination and drive that a person possesses. The word (ma yalzimuka) "ما يَلْزِمُكَ" means that which is necessary or essential for an individual. It implies the actions and responsibilities that are obligatory or required of us. On the other hand, the phrase (ma la ya'nika) "ما لايَعْنيكَ" refers to that which does not concern or benefit us. It indicates matters that are irrelevant or unnecessary for us to involve ourselves in.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is essential and avoiding unnecessary distractions. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:32), Allah says,

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.

This verse reminds us that Allah has provided us with blessings and provisions that are permissible and beneficial for us. It is our duty to make use of these blessings in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial for ourselves and others. By confining our endeavors to that which is necessary and beneficial, we can fulfill our obligations and make the most of the resources and opportunities that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:105), Allah says,

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse reminds us that each individual is responsible for their own actions and choices. We should focus on our own spiritual growth and well-being, rather than involving ourselves in matters that do not concern us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to prioritize our efforts and not waste our time and energy on unnecessary pursuits. By doing so, we can avoid distractions and maintain our focus on fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities. This principle applies to various aspects of our lives, including our personal relationships, professional endeavors, and spiritual journey.

For example, in our personal relationships, we should prioritize the well-being and happiness of our loved ones and avoid involving ourselves in unnecessary conflicts or gossip. In our professional lives, we should focus on our work and strive for excellence, rather than wasting time on office politics or unnecessary competition. In our spiritual journey, we should prioritize acts of worship and seeking knowledge, rather than involving ourselves in debates or discussions that do not contribute to our growth and understanding.

By adhering to the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and direction in our lives. We can avoid unnecessary distractions and focus on fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to confine our endeavors to that which is necessary and beneficial, and to avoid involving ourselves in that which does not concern us.