Hadith #3847

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ ساعَي الدُّنيا فاتَتْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who strives for this world is eluded by it.

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the futility of solely pursuing worldly desires and material possessions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (sa'ay) "ساعَي" refers to striving, exerting effort, or struggling. It implies a continuous and dedicated pursuit towards a goal. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic realm that we inhabit.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, which provides guidance on the transient nature of the worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45),

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and causes vegetation to flourish, it eventually dries up and is scattered by the wind. Similarly, the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse emphasizes that the blessings and adornments of this world are merely temporary enjoyments. The true and everlasting rewards lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the hereafter. Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to prioritize their efforts and strive for the eternal rewards that await them in the next life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that excessive attachment to worldly pursuits can lead to disappointment and distraction from the ultimate purpose of life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When one becomes engrossed in the pursuit of wealth, power, and material possessions, they are likely to lose sight of their spiritual growth and neglect their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It does not imply that one should completely abandon worldly affairs, but rather emphasizes the need to prioritize and maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) while fulfilling their worldly duties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not become consumed by the pursuit of worldly desires. It encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter. By doing so, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this world and the next. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the right path and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).