Hadith #3726

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

آفَةُ النَّفْسِ اَلْوَلَهُ بِالدُّنْيا۔

This can be translated as,

The bane of the soul is being infatuated with this world.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (afa) "آفَةُ" in this Hadith refers to a calamity or a destructive element. It signifies something that causes harm and detriment to the soul. The word (nafs) "نَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or the self. And (al-walah) "اَلْوَلَهُ" means being infatuated or excessively attached. Finally, (bid-dunya) "بِالدُّنْيا" refers to this worldly life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger of becoming infatuated with the materialistic aspects of this world. When a person becomes excessively attached to worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits, it becomes a bane for their soul. This infatuation blinds them from the true purpose of life and diverts their focus away from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of the hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life to come. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and our true reward will be given in the hereafter. The life of this world is merely a temporary illusion, and becoming infatuated with it leads to delusion and distraction from the ultimate purpose of our existence.

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.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. It compares the attractions of this world to a rain that brings temporary pleasure but eventually withers away. The true purpose lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah, His approval, and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of being infatuated with this world. When we prioritize materialistic gains and desires over our spiritual growth and connection with Allah, we risk losing sight of our true purpose. Our actions become driven by greed, selfishness, and worldly ambitions, leading to a neglect of our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

This infatuation with the world can have severe consequences not only in the hereafter but also in our present lives. It can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a constant pursuit of temporary pleasures that never truly satisfy the soul. It blinds us from recognizing the blessings and signs of Allah in our lives, and we become disconnected from the spiritual tranquility that comes from seeking His pleasure.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. We should not become so engrossed in the pursuit of material possessions and desires that we neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow Muslims. Instead, we should prioritize our relationship with Allah, seek His pleasure, and use the blessings of this world to serve His cause and benefit humanity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the bane of infatuation with this world and guide us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Him. May He grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our obligations towards Him. Ameen.