Hadith #3695

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,

الرَّغْبَةُ فِي الدُّنيا تُوجِبُ المَقْتَ۔

This can be translated as,

Longing for this world brings about hatred.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (raghbah) "الرَّغْبَةُ" refers to a strong desire or longing for something. In this context, it signifies an excessive attachment and love for the materialistic aspects of this world. This desire can consume a person's heart and lead them away from the path of righteousness.

The word (dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting. It encompasses the material possessions, wealth, status, and all the worldly pleasures that distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that this excessive attachment to the worldly desires brings about (maqt) "المَقْتَ", which can be translated as hatred or animosity. This means that when one becomes overly engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, it leads to a state of dissatisfaction, discontentment, and even hostility towards others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and fulfillment lie in the hereafter, not in the temporary pleasures of this world. It is a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to attain Paradise and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate insignificance of material possessions. It reminds us that the true success lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His approval, rather than indulging in the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over worldly desires. By recognizing the transient nature of this world and focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of excessive attachment to material possessions. This detachment allows us to cultivate a sense of contentment, gratitude, and love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation. It enables us to build stronger bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world and protect us from the harmful effects of excessive attachment. May He guide us on the straight path and enable us to attain His pleasure and the eternal rewards of Paradise.