Hadith #3687

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المواصل للدنيا مقطوع" which translates to

The one who is attached to this world is cut off [from Allah].

This powerful statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of being excessively attached to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (muwasil) "مواصل" refers to someone who is excessively attached or deeply engrossed in something. In this context, it refers to a person who is excessively attached to the worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits. The word (dunya) "دنيا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic aspects of life, and the transient nature of worldly possessions.

This Hadith is a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and not become overly attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. It serves as a warning against allowing worldly desires and pursuits to consume our hearts and divert our attention from the ultimate purpose of our existence - to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides several verses that support and emphasize the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

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 reminds us that these are merely temporary enjoyments and that the true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The attachment to worldly possessions can distract us from our spiritual growth and hinder our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary joy they bring. It compares the worldly life to a rain that brings temporary growth to plants, but eventually withers away. Similarly, the materialistic aspects of this world may provide temporary pleasure, but they do not bring lasting fulfillment or true happiness. The true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual journey. It urges us to detach ourselves from excessive attachment to worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits. By doing so, we can free ourselves from the distractions that hinder our spiritual growth and focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Excessive attachment to this world can lead to a neglect of our religious obligations, a loss of focus on the Hereafter, and a weakening of our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It can also lead to unethical behavior, greed, and a disregard for the well-being of others. By understanding the enlightening message of this Hadith and reflecting upon the Quranic verses that support it, Muslims are reminded to prioritize their spiritual journey and seek the eternal rewards that lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the right path and protect us from being cut off from His blessings.