Hadith #4606

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

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

مَنْ زَهِدَ فِي الدُّنيا حَصَّنَ دينَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who renounces pleasures in this world fortifies [and protects] his religion.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (zahida) "زَهِدَ" comes from the root word (zahada) "زَهَدَ", which means to renounce or abstain from worldly desires and pleasures. It implies detachment from material possessions and a focus on the spiritual realm. The word (hassana) "حَصَّنَ" means to fortify, protect, or safeguard. And (deenahu) "دِينَهُ" refers to one's religion or faith.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and highlights the importance of focusing on righteous deeds that have eternal value.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it withers and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter, there is severe torment, and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

These verses from the Quran highlight the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of prioritizing our faith over material possessions. When one renounces the allurements of this world, they fortify their religion by redirecting their focus towards the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By renouncing worldly pleasures, one strengthens their faith and protects it from the distractions and temptations that can lead them astray. This renunciation allows individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prioritize their spiritual growth. It enables them to detach themselves from the materialistic mindset that can hinder their pursuit of righteousness and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the significance of renouncing worldly pleasures to safeguard one's religion. By doing so, individuals can protect themselves from the pitfalls of materialism and focus on fulfilling their religious obligations and responsibilities. This renunciation does not imply complete abandonment of worldly affairs, but rather a detachment from excessive attachment and a conscious effort to prioritize the spiritual over the material.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of renouncing worldly pleasures to fortify our religion. By redirecting our focus towards the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can protect ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world. Let us strive to detach ourselves from excessive materialism and prioritize our spiritual growth, for it is through this renunciation that we can truly fortify and protect our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect our religion.