Hadith #3886

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) states,

One who triumphs in this world becomes troubled and one whom it eludes gets distressed.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly success and the potential negative consequences that can arise from it.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means to triumph or succeed, while (nasiba) "نَصِبَ" can be translated as becoming troubled or experiencing difficulties. On the other hand, (fatathu) "فاتَتْهُ" refers to something that eludes or escapes someone, and (ta'iba) "تَعِبَ" signifies distress or hardship.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life and the ultimate reward that awaits us in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly success should not be our primary focus, as it can lead to delusion and distraction from our true purpose in life.

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 further emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. It highlights how the pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly success can lead to arrogance, competition, and ultimately disappointment.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When one achieves success in this world, they may become troubled due to the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. Success often brings with it increased expectations, demands, and pressures. It can lead to a constant state of striving and striving, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Conversely, when someone is unable to attain worldly success, they may experience distress and disappointment. They may feel a sense of failure or inadequacy, leading to feelings of sadness and frustration. However, it is important to remember that true success lies in the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness, not in the accumulation of wealth or worldly achievements.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that our focus should be on the eternal life and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). While worldly success may bring temporary satisfaction, it is fleeting and can lead to various challenges and difficulties. It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of worldly success and the potential negative consequences that can arise from it. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and focus on the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek His pleasure and guide us on the path of righteousness.