Hadith #3766

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The cornerstone of calamities is infatuation with this world.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (وَلَهُ) "walah" in Arabic refers to infatuation, obsession, or attachment. It signifies an excessive love and preoccupation with worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits. This infatuation with the material aspects of life can lead to a multitude of calamities and hardships.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of recognizing the dangers of becoming too attached to this temporary world. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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 rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the potential consequences of becoming too attached to worldly possessions. This infatuation can lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth, the erosion of our moral values, and a loss of focus on the ultimate purpose of our existence - to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

When we prioritize the material aspects of life over our spiritual development, we become susceptible to various calamities. These calamities may manifest in the form of anxiety, stress, greed, envy, and a constant dissatisfaction with what we have. We may find ourselves constantly chasing after worldly desires, never truly content or at peace.

Moreover, infatuation with this world can blind us to the transient nature of our existence and the inevitability of death. It can lead us to forget our accountability to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our responsibility to fulfill our duties towards Him and our fellow human beings.

To avoid falling into the trap of infatuation with this world, we must constantly remind ourselves of the teachings of the Quran. We should strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. We should seek contentment in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and be grateful for what we have, rather than constantly yearning for more.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming too attached to the material aspects of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and prioritizing our spiritual growth, we can safeguard ourselves from the calamities that arise from infatuation with this temporary life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome the allure of this world and focus on what truly matters in the sight of our Creator.