Hadith #3922

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) advises Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, against competing and striving excessively for the worldly possessions and materialistic bounties. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the bounties of this world are insignificant and trivial in comparison to the eternal rewards and blessings of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tunafis) "تُنافِسْ" means to compete, strive, or jostle. It implies a sense of rivalry and excessive pursuit of worldly possessions. The word (mawahib) "مَواهِبِ" refers to the bounties or gifts bestowed upon individuals by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These bounties can include wealth, power, beauty, intelligence, and other worldly possessions.

To comprehend the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah says,

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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the deceptive allure they hold. It warns us against becoming engrossed in the pursuit of materialistic gains, as they distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - to seek the pleasure of Allah and attain success in the Hereafter. Similarly, in Surah At-Taghabun, verse 15, Allah says,

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true value lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By focusing excessively on worldly possessions, we risk losing sight of our spiritual growth and neglecting our responsibilities towards our fellow human beings. Excessive competition for worldly bounties can lead to envy, greed, and a disregard for justice and fairness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to prioritize our spiritual development and the well-being of others over the accumulation of worldly possessions. By doing so, we cultivate a sense of contentment, gratitude, and detachment from materialistic desires. This does not mean that we should completely abstain from worldly pursuits, but rather that we should strike a balance between our worldly and spiritual endeavors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the insignificance of worldly possessions in comparison to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It urges us to avoid excessive competition and striving for materialistic gains, as they distract us from our true purpose in life. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and the well-being of others, we can attain inner peace, contentment, and the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.