Hadith #3710

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّكَ إنْ أقْبَلْتَ إلَى الدُّنْيا أدْبَرْتَ۔

This can be translated as,

Indeed, if you approach this world you have turned your back [from the Hereafter].

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent conflict between the pursuit of worldly desires and the pursuit of the eternal Hereafter.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their meanings. The word (aqbalta) "أقْبَلْتَ" is derived from the root word (qabala) "قَبَلَ", which means to approach or come towards something. In this context, it refers to approaching the worldly life. The word (adbarata) "أدْبَرْتَ" is derived from the root word (dabara) "دَبَرَ", which means to turn one's back or to retreat. Here, it signifies turning away from the Hereafter.

This Hadith is a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their focus and efforts towards the Hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary attractions and distractions of this world. It serves as a warning against being overly attached to worldly possessions, status, and desires, which can divert us from the path of righteousness and lead us away from the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:14)

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 emphasizes that the attractions of this world, such as wealth, material possessions, and worldly relationships, are merely temporary enjoyments. They may bring temporary pleasure, but the true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter. Muslims are reminded to not be deceived by the allure of this world and to focus on their ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 45:28-29)

And you will see every nation kneeling [from fear]. Every nation will be called to its record [and told], 'Today you will be recompensed for what you used to do. This, Our record, speaks about you in truth. Indeed, We were having transcribed whatever you used to do.'

These verses remind us of the Day of Judgment when every individual will be held accountable for their actions in this world. On that day, the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world will hold no value. What truly matters is the record of our deeds and the state of our hearts. Muslims are encouraged to prioritize their actions and intentions in accordance with the teachings of Islam, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and choices in life. It urges us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that we are not being consumed by the temporary allure of this world. By turning away from the distractions of this world and focusing on the Hereafter, we can strive towards attaining the eternal pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the ultimate success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary attractions of this world. May we constantly strive to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, seeking the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Ameen.