Hadith #3860

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَمَرَ دُنياهُ خَرَّبَ مَ آلَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who builds his world destroys his place of return [in the Hereafter].

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary world.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (amara) "عَمَرَ" means to build or construct. In this context, it refers to the actions and efforts one puts into worldly pursuits. The word (dunyāhu) "دُنياهُ" refers to the worldly life, which is transient and temporary. The word (kharraḇa) "خَرَّبَ" means to destroy or ruin. And finally, (mā ālahu) "مَ آلَهُ" refers to the place of return, which is the Hereafter.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 ayah reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary nature of our existence in this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), 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.

From these ayats, we can understand that the world and its material possessions are temporary and fleeting. They are like rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. The pursuit of worldly desires and the accumulation of wealth and possessions can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us about the consequences of solely focusing on worldly matters. When one becomes engrossed in building and accumulating wealth, they neglect their spiritual development and neglect their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This obsession with worldly pursuits can lead to a neglect of the soul, a loss of moral values, and a disregard for the principles of justice and compassion.

The consequences of prioritizing the world over the Hereafter are severe. In Surah Al-Isra (17:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Whoever desires the immediate, We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse serves as a reminder that those who prioritize worldly gains and neglect their spiritual growth will face the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. While it is important to fulfill our worldly duties, we must not let them consume us to the point where we neglect our spiritual well-being and our preparation for the Hereafter. We should prioritize acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity, as these are the investments that will yield eternal rewards.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world. By focusing on our relationship with Allah and fulfilling our duties towards Him and our fellow human beings, we can build a strong foundation for our eternal life. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.