Hadith #3561

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الدُّنيا صَفْقَةُ مَغْبُون والإنْسانُ مَغْبُونٌ بِها۔

This can be translated as,

This world is a deal of the [one who has been] defrauded and human being is defrauded by it.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (safqatu) "صَفْقَةُ" refers to a transaction or a deal. It implies an exchange of goods or services between two parties. The word (maghbun) "مَغْبُون" means defrauded or deceived. It signifies being cheated or tricked in a transaction.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of this worldly life and emphasizes that the true compensation and reward will be given in the Hereafter. The world, with all its attractions and allurements, is merely an illusion that deceives us. It entices us with its temporary pleasures and distracts us from the ultimate purpose of our existence, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is a mere diversion and amusement, meant to test our faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a temporary abode, while the true and everlasting life is the one in the Hereafter. Therefore, attaching ourselves excessively to the materialistic aspects of this world can lead us astray and deceive us from the ultimate truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), with his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that the world is a deal of the defrauded. Just as a person can be deceived and cheated in a transaction, the world deceives and cheats us by diverting our attention from the eternal life and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we become too engrossed in worldly pursuits, we lose sight of our true purpose and the Hereafter. We become attached to material possessions, wealth, and status, thinking that they will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, these temporary pleasures are fleeting and can never truly satisfy the human soul.

The consequences of being deceived by the world are dire. We may neglect our spiritual growth, compromise our moral values, and become consumed by greed, envy, and selfishness. Our focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to seeking the approval and validation of others. This leads to a life of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and spiritual emptiness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and prioritize our spiritual development. We should seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and cultivate a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we protect ourselves from being defrauded by the world and ensure that our focus remains on the eternal life and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the deceptive nature of this world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and not be swayed by the temporary pleasures and distractions that the world offers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate through this worldly life with sincerity and steadfastness.