Hadith #3915

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) warns us about the destructive consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over our religious obligations. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (istanaama) "استَنامَ", (deenahu) "دينَهُ", (hammahu) "هَمَّهُ", and (ma'booduhu) "مَعْبُودُهُ".

The word (istanaama) "استَنامَ" refers to finding reassurance or comfort in something. In this context, it signifies seeking solace and satisfaction in the material possessions and pleasures of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who prioritize worldly gains and make their religion subservient to it are indeed doomed.

The term (deenahu) "دينَهُ" refers to one's religion or faith. It encompasses all aspects of our spiritual beliefs, practices, and moral values. The Hadith emphasizes that when individuals make their religion subservient to worldly desires, they compromise their faith and lose sight of their true purpose in life.

The word (hammahu) "هَمَّهُ" refers to one's concern or preoccupation. It highlights the fact that those who prioritize worldly pursuits become consumed by them, making them the sole focus of their lives. Consequently, they neglect their religious obligations and fail to fulfill their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

Lastly, the term (ma'booduhu) "مَعْبُودُهُ" refers to one's deity or object of worship. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that when individuals prioritize worldly gains, they essentially make these material possessions their ultimate goal and object of worship. They replace Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with the pursuit of wealth, power, and worldly success.

To understand the gravity of this warning, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly possessions and pleasures, which can easily distract us from our true purpose in life. It serves as a reminder that while these material gains may bring temporary enjoyment, our ultimate return lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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 the transitory nature of worldly possessions and highlights the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter. It reminds us that true success lies in prioritizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and ensure that they do not fall into the trap of worldly attachments. By prioritizing our religious obligations and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can find true contentment and success in this life and the hereafter.

Let us take heed of this profound Hadith and strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our religious duties. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the destructive consequences of prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this world over our eternal salvation.