Hadith #8732

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

حَرامٌ عَلى كُلِّ قَلْب مُتَوَلِّه بِالدُّنْيا أنْ يَسْكُنَهُ التَّقْوى۔

This can be translated as:

It is forbidden upon every heart which is inclined to this world that God-wariness should reside in it.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (forbidden) "حَرَامٌ" signifies something that is prohibited or impermissible. (every) "كُلِّ" emphasizes the universality of this prohibition, encompassing all hearts. (heart) "قَلْب" refers to the center of one's emotions, thoughts, and intentions. (inclined) "مُتَوَلِّه" denotes a heart that is attached or inclined towards something. (to this world) "بِالدُّنْيا" signifies the materialistic aspects of life, including worldly desires, possessions, and pursuits. Finally, (God-wariness) "التَّقْوى" refers to the state of being conscious of Allah's presence, fearing His punishment, and striving to fulfill His commands.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:20):

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the consequences of forgetting Allah and being engrossed in worldly pursuits. When the heart becomes attached to the materialistic aspects of life, it leads to a neglect of God-wariness and a loss of one's true identity.

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

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.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting. It is a mere illusion, filled with distractions and temptations that can divert us from the path of God-wariness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It highlights the inherent contradiction between a heart inclined towards worldly pursuits and the presence of God-wariness within it. When the heart is consumed by materialistic desires, there is no room for the remembrance of Allah, the fear of His punishment, and the striving to fulfill His commands.

This Hadith urges us to reflect upon our own hearts and assess the extent to which we are attached to the transient pleasures of this world. It calls us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly gains and to cultivate a deep sense of God-wariness within our hearts. By doing so, we can attain true peace, contentment, and success in both this world and the hereafter.

Let us strive to detach ourselves from the allure of this world and redirect our hearts towards the eternal and everlasting pleasures of the Hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome the temptations of this world and to establish God-wariness within our hearts. May we be among those who are mindful of Allah in all aspects of our lives and seek His pleasure above all else.