Hadith #3790

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

عَبْدُ الدُّنْيا مُؤَبَّدُ الفِتْنَةِ والبَلاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

The servant of this world faces continuous afflictions and calamities.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The term "عَبْدُ الدُّنْيا" refers to the servant of this world, someone who is engrossed in the materialistic aspects of life and prioritizes worldly desires over spiritual growth. "مُؤَبَّدُ" means continuous or never-ending, indicating that the afflictions and calamities faced by such a person are unceasing. "الفِتْنَةِ" refers to trials, tribulations, and temptations that test one's faith and character. And "البَلاءِ" signifies hardships and difficulties that befall an individual.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse emphasizes that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. They serve as tests from Allah to assess our patience, faith, and reliance on Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tested?

This verse reminds us that belief alone is not sufficient; we must also be tested to prove the sincerity of our faith.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the servant of this world, who is consumed by worldly desires, will inevitably face continuous afflictions and calamities. This is because their attachment to material possessions and worldly pleasures distracts them from the true purpose of life, which is to seek closeness to Allah and strive for the eternal abode.

The consequences of being a servant of this world are manifold. Such individuals may find themselves constantly chasing after temporary pleasures, only to be met with disappointment and dissatisfaction. They may become engrossed in accumulating wealth and status, neglecting their spiritual well-being and the well-being of others. This can lead to a lack of contentment, inner peace, and fulfillment in life.

On the other hand, those who prioritize their relationship with Allah and seek His pleasure above all else are better equipped to navigate the trials and tribulations of this world. They understand that these tests are opportunities for growth, purification, and spiritual elevation. They remain steadfast in their faith, relying on Allah's guidance and mercy to overcome challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of becoming slaves to the materialistic aspects of this world. It highlights the continuous afflictions and calamities that befall those who prioritize worldly desires over spiritual growth. By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we are encouraged to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and focus on seeking Allah's pleasure and the eternal abode. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of this world.