Hadith #3867

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who seeks from this world that which pleases him, his crime (and sinfulness) increases and his transgression prolongs.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims about the consequences of seeking worldly pleasures without considering the consequences in the hereafter.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (talaba) "طَلَبَ" means to seek or desire. It implies actively pursuing something with the intention of obtaining it. The word (minad-dunya) "مِنَ الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life, encompassing material possessions, wealth, status, and other temporary pleasures. The phrase (ma yurdihi) "ما يُرْضيهِ" means that which pleases an individual, indicating personal desires and preferences.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns 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 desires, which can distract individuals from their ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah. It emphasizes that although these worldly pleasures may seem appealing, they are temporary and fleeting. The true reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us that while wealth and children may bring temporary joy and adornment to our lives, they are not the ultimate measure of success. The true measure of success lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These good deeds have eternal rewards and are the key to attaining true success and happiness in both this world and the hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that when we seek worldly pleasures solely for our own satisfaction and without considering the consequences, our crimes and sins increase, and our transgressions prolong. This means that indulging in worldly desires without moderation and without prioritizing our spiritual growth can lead us astray and distance us from the path of righteousness.

For example, if an individual becomes obsessed with accumulating wealth and material possessions, they may resort to unethical means such as fraud, exploitation, or neglecting their religious obligations. This pursuit of worldly pleasures blinds them to the moral and ethical boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and leads to an increase in sinful behavior.

Similarly, seeking worldly pleasures without considering the consequences can lead to a neglect of our spiritual and moral responsibilities. We may become so engrossed in satisfying our desires that we forget to prioritize acts of worship, kindness towards others, and the pursuit of knowledge. This neglect can result in a prolonged state of transgression, where we continuously engage in sinful behavior without remorse or repentance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over worldly desires. It warns us of the consequences of seeking temporary pleasures without considering the long-term impact on our spiritual well-being. By reflecting on the Quranic verses provided and internalizing the message of this Hadith, we can strive to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and righteous life. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the temptations of this world.