Hadith #3920

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَرْغَبْْ فِي الدُّنيا فَتَخْسَرَ آخِرَتَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not desire this world thereby losing your Hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith. The word (tarġab) "تَرْغَبْ" refers to a strong desire or inclination towards something. In this context, it signifies an excessive attachment and longing for the material possessions and pleasures of this worldly life. On the other hand, the word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and passing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be consumed by our desires for worldly gains, as it can lead us to lose our Hereafter. This means that if we prioritize the pursuit of worldly pleasures and neglect our spiritual growth and the obligations towards Allah, we risk jeopardizing our eternal life in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200:

So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

This verse reminds us that our focus should not solely be on the temporary pleasures and gains of this world. Instead, we should remember Allah and seek His pleasure, knowing that the true and everlasting rewards lie in the Hereafter. Those who prioritize worldly desires and neglect their spiritual obligations will find themselves devoid of any share in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary pleasure and adornment to our lives, they hold no value in the sight of Allah compared to the enduring good deeds that we perform for His sake. The pursuit of worldly desires can distract us from focusing on the deeds that truly matter and have a lasting impact on our Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of being overly attached to this world. When we become engrossed in the pursuit of material wealth, status, and worldly pleasures, we risk losing sight of our ultimate purpose in life - to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. This attachment can lead to neglecting our religious obligations, diminishing our spirituality, and distancing ourselves from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of losing our Hereafter are severe and eternal. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the attractions and allurements of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may bring us temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they will eventually fade away. In contrast, the Hereafter holds the promise of severe punishment for those who prioritize worldly desires over their spiritual obligations. It also offers the forgiveness and approval of Allah for those who prioritize their Hereafter and strive to please Him.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. While it is natural to have worldly desires and aspirations, we must not let them consume us to the extent that we neglect our Hereafter. We should strive to prioritize our spiritual growth, fulfill our religious duties, and seek the pleasure of Allah above all else.

In conclusion, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from excessive attachment and desire for the temporary pleasures and gains of this world. By prioritizing our Hereafter and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can ensure a successful and fulfilling eternal life. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations.