Hadith #3600

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The gravest of afflictions and wretchedness is [caused by] infatuation with this world.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali highlights the detrimental consequences of becoming excessively attached to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (a'zamu) "أعظَمُ" means "the gravest" or "the greatest." It emphasizes the severity and magnitude of the afflictions and wretchedness that result from a particular cause. (al-masa'ib) "المَصائِبِ" refers to afflictions, hardships, or calamities that befall an individual. (wash-shiqa') "والشِقاءِ" means wretchedness or misery, which signifies a state of extreme unhappiness and suffering. Finally, (al-walah) "الوَلَهُ" refers to infatuation or excessive attachment to something.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides numerous verses that caution against becoming too attached to worldly possessions and desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting. It is filled with distractions and attractions that can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and worldly pleasures often consumes individuals, causing them to neglect their spiritual growth and well-being. Consequently, they become engrossed in the materialistic aspects of life, leading to afflictions and wretchedness.

Another verse that resonates with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure and attractiveness of worldly possessions and desires. It emphasizes that these things are merely temporary enjoyments, and the true reward lies in the hereafter. When individuals become infatuated with the materialistic aspects of this world, they lose sight of their ultimate purpose and the eternal rewards that await them in the afterlife. This infatuation leads to a state of wretchedness and misery, as they prioritize temporary pleasures over their spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual journey. It urges us to detach ourselves from excessive attachment to material possessions and desires, recognizing that true contentment and happiness lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life to come.

By reflecting on the consequences of becoming infatuated with this world, we can redirect our focus towards the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and the betterment of our souls. We should prioritize acts of worship, charity, and kindness towards others, as these are the deeds that will bring us true happiness and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the straight path and protect us from the allure of this world. May we strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual growth, seeking His pleasure above all else. Ameen.