Hadith #3730

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims about the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over the eternal life in the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings, supported by relevant Quranic verses.

The word (i'thar) "إيثار" in the Hadith refers to the act of giving preference or priority to something or someone over others. It implies choosing one thing over another, based on its perceived value or importance. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the danger of giving priority to the love and pursuit of worldly desires, which are transient and temporary in nature.

The phrase (hubbi al-'ajilah) "حُبِّ العاجِلَةِ" refers to the love and attachment to the immediate and temporary pleasures of this world. It encompasses the desire for wealth, power, fame, and all other worldly pursuits that distract individuals from their ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah says,

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 the true reward and compensation for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. The pleasures of this world are merely temporary and illusory, compared to the everlasting bliss of Paradise. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions based on the eternal consequences, rather than being swayed by the allure of worldly desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who prioritize the love of this transient world will ultimately find themselves in an unpleasant state in the Hereafter. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the consequences of being engrossed in them. Just as a plant withers away after its initial growth, the pleasures of this world will fade, leaving behind nothing but debris. In contrast, the Hereafter holds both severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah, depending on our actions in this life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of their choices and actions. By prioritizing the love of this transient world, individuals risk losing the eternal rewards and blessings of the Hereafter. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to align their priorities with the teachings of Islam, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. May He guide us to make choices that lead to eternal success and protect us from the allure of worldly desires. Ameen.