Hadith #9278

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the mindset and priorities of a disbeliever. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (hammu) "هَمُّ", which refers to the concern or preoccupation of an individual. It signifies the deep-rooted worry and attachment that a person has towards something. In this context, it refers to the intense preoccupation of the disbeliever with worldly matters.

The next word is (kafir) "كافِرِ", which means a disbeliever or someone who denies the truth of Islam. This term encompasses those who reject the message of Allah and choose to live their lives in ignorance of His guidance.

The phrase (lidunyahi) "لِدُنْياهُ" means

for his [life in this] world.

It emphasizes that the disbeliever's primary focus is solely on the material aspects of this worldly life. Their thoughts, efforts, and actions are directed towards worldly gains, pleasures, and achievements.

The word (sa'yu) "سَعْيُهُ" refers to the efforts and endeavors of the disbeliever. It highlights their relentless pursuit of worldly success and the lengths they go to attain it. Their actions are driven by the desire for immediate gratification and temporary gains.

The term (‘ajilatihi) "عاجِلَتِهِ" means the transient or temporary nature of the disbeliever's pursuits. It signifies that their endeavors and achievements in this world are short-lived and will eventually fade away. They prioritize the fleeting pleasures of this life over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Lastly, the word (shahwatu) "شَهْوَتُهُ" refers to the lusts, desires, and carnal pleasures that the disbeliever seeks to fulfill. It encompasses their unrestrained pursuit of worldly pleasures, often at the expense of moral values and spiritual growth.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 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 beautifully illustrates the transitory nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate futility of chasing after them. The disbeliever, consumed by their worldly concerns, fails to recognize the true purpose of life and the importance of preparing for the eternal life to come.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah says, (Quran 32:21)

And We will surely cause them to taste the nearer punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will repent.

This verse highlights the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual growth. The disbeliever's attachment to the material world blinds them to the reality of the Hereafter and the need for repentance. They are heedless of the impending punishment and fail to realize the importance of turning back to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening words serve as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect on their priorities and align them with the teachings of the Quran. We must strive to detach ourselves from the allure of this temporary world and focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come.

May Allah guide us to prioritize our efforts and concerns in accordance with His guidance and grant us the wisdom to recognize the true purpose of our existence. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.