Hadith #3736

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ثَمَرَةُ الوَلَهِ بالدُّنْيا عَظِيمُ المِحْنَةِ۔

This Hadith highlights the consequences of being infatuated with the materialistic aspects of this world. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" refers to the fruit or outcome of something. In this context, it signifies the result or consequence of being infatuated with the world. (al-walahi) "الوَلَهِ" means infatuation or obsession, specifically with worldly possessions and desires. (bil-dunya) "بالدُّنْيا" refers to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life. And finally, (azimul mihna) "عَظِيمُ المِحْنَةِ" translates to "great tribulation."

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

This verse reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be given in the Hereafter. The fleeting pleasures and attractions of this world are merely an illusion. Those who become infatuated with worldly possessions and desires are led astray from the path of righteousness and may face great tribulations as a consequence.

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

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. The pursuit of materialistic desires and possessions leads to a cycle of competition, boasting, and ultimately disappointment. The consequences of such infatuation can manifest as great tribulations in this world and severe punishment in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for success in the Hereafter. We should not become ensnared by the allure of this temporary world, as it can lead to tribulations and distract us from our true purpose in life.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated a profound detachment from the materialistic aspects of this world. Despite being the caliph and having access to wealth and power, he lived a simple and humble life, prioritizing the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and spirituality.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and detach ourselves from the infatuation with worldly possessions and desires. We should focus on seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and preparing for the eternal life to come. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the tribulations that arise from being engrossed in the temporary pleasures of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the Hereafter over the fleeting attractions of this world and protect us from the tribulations that result from infatuation with materialism. May He guide us on the straight path and grant us success in both worlds.