Hadith #9500

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who busies himself with [the worldly activities of his] lifetime becomes occupied by it [and pays no heed to the Hereafter].

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their focus and efforts towards the eternal life in the Hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary and fleeting nature of this worldly life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tashāghala) "تَشَاغَلَ" means to engage or occupy oneself with something. It implies being fully absorbed and engrossed in an activity, diverting one's attention and energy towards it. The word (azzamān) "الزَّمَانِ" refers to the passing time or the duration of one's lifetime.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46,

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 transient nature of worldly possessions and distractions, urging us to prioritize actions that will bring us eternal rewards in the sight of Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and urges us to reflect on the everlasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the importance of balancing our worldly responsibilities with our spiritual obligations. It serves as a reminder that while we must engage in the affairs of this world, we should not allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with them that we neglect our duties towards Allah and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us of the consequences of being excessively engrossed in worldly pursuits. When we become overly attached to the material aspects of life, we lose sight of our ultimate purpose and the eternal life that awaits us. Our focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah to seeking the pleasures of this world, leading us astray from the path of righteousness.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and evaluate how we spend our time and energy. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences in the Hereafter. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by worldly pursuits, we risk neglecting our spiritual growth, diminishing our chances of attaining eternal bliss.

To exemplify the consequences of being preoccupied with worldly affairs, let us consider the story of Qarun mentioned in the Quran. Qarun was blessed with immense wealth, but he became arrogant and neglected his duties towards Allah. As a result, he faced severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the perils of being consumed by worldly pursuits and neglecting our spiritual obligations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It urges us to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By heeding this advice, we can ensure that our actions align with our ultimate purpose and secure eternal rewards in the sight of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the Hereafter and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.