Hadith #5226

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,

مِنَ الشَّقاءِ أنْ يَصُونَ المَرْءُ دُنْياهُ بِدينِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

It is from wretchedness for a person to safeguard his world at the expense of his religion.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (shaqaa) "شَّقاءِ" refers to wretchedness or misery, indicating a state of extreme unhappiness and misfortune. The word (yasun) "يَصُونَ" means to safeguard or protect, implying the act of preserving or securing something. (al-mar') "المَرْءُ" refers to an individual or a person. (dunyahu) "دُنْياهُ" refers to one's worldly affairs or material possessions. Lastly, (bidinihi) "بِدينِهِ" means at the expense of his religion.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201,

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, without neglecting our spiritual obligations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that worldly possessions, although they may bring temporary adornment, should not take precedence over the everlasting reward of good deeds in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, cautions us against prioritizing our worldly affairs over our religion. It is indeed a state of wretchedness when a person becomes so engrossed in accumulating wealth, pursuing materialistic desires, and safeguarding their worldly possessions that they neglect their religious obligations and compromise their faith.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their religious duties. While it is important to work hard, seek sustenance, and fulfill our responsibilities in this world, we must not let these pursuits overshadow our commitment to Allah and our religious obligations. Neglecting our religion for the sake of worldly gains leads to a spiritual void and a loss of true happiness and contentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the detrimental consequences of prioritizing worldly affairs over religion. Such a mindset can lead to a decline in moral values, a weakening of faith, and a loss of spiritual connection with Allah. It can also result in neglecting acts of worship, disregarding the rights of others, and engaging in unethical behavior in pursuit of worldly success.

On the other hand, when we prioritize our religion and strive to fulfill our religious obligations, we attain inner peace, contentment, and the pleasure of Allah. By seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, practicing kindness, and upholding moral values, we strengthen our faith and establish a strong foundation for success in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their religious obligations. It warns against prioritizing worldly gains at the expense of our faith, as it leads to wretchedness and spiritual decline. By prioritizing our religion and fulfilling our religious duties, we attain true happiness, contentment, and success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to prioritize our faith above all else.