Hadith #3944

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَمِلَ لِلدُّنيا خَسِرَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who works for this world makes a loss.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (amila) "عَمِلَ" in this Hadith means to work or to perform actions. It refers to the deeds and actions that a person engages in throughout their life. The word (liddunya) "لِلدُّنيا" means for this world. It signifies the materialistic pursuits, desires, and attachments that distract individuals from their spiritual journey and ultimate purpose in life. The word (khasira) "خَسِرَ" means to incur loss or to be at a disadvantage.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46,

Wealth and children are the 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 that worldly possessions and attachments may seem attractive and alluring, but they are temporary and fleeting. True success lies in the everlasting rewards of good deeds that are pleasing to Allah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure and rewards in both this world and the Hereafter. Those who solely focus on worldly gains and neglect their spiritual growth will find themselves empty-handed in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly desires and materialistic gains can lead to spiritual loss and deprivation. When individuals prioritize their worldly ambitions over their relationship with Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds, they are at a disadvantage in the eyes of Allah.

For example, if a person spends their entire life accumulating wealth, fame, and power without considering the consequences of their actions or the impact on their spiritual well-being, they may find themselves spiritually bankrupt in the Hereafter. The temporary pleasures and achievements of this world cannot compare to the eternal rewards and blessings that await those who prioritize their faith and strive to please Allah.

This Hadith also encourages Muslims to reflect on their intentions and motivations behind their actions. Are we performing our deeds solely for worldly recognition, wealth, or status? Or are we seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter? It is essential to constantly evaluate our intentions and align them with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteous deeds over worldly desires and attachments. By focusing on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can avoid the loss and deprivation that comes from solely working for this temporary world. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.