Hadith #3983

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily Allah, the Glorified, grants this world to [both] the one whom He loves and the one whom He does not love, but He grants religion only to the one whom He loves.

This impactful Hadith highlights the distinction between worldly possessions and the true essence of faith.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "dunya" refers to the material world, encompassing wealth, power, and all temporal possessions. "Deen" refers to religion, encompassing faith, spirituality, and the eternal connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word "yuhibbu" means "loves," indicating Allah's favor and affection towards His creation.

To comprehend the meaning of this hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may be granted to both those whom Allah loves and those whom He does not love. However, the true essence of faith, represented by the word "deen," is a gift bestowed only upon those whom Allah loves. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165:

Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves objects of worship which they set as rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only) - those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere love and devotion to Allah, as true faith cannot coexist with the love and worship of other entities. It is only through this genuine love for Allah that one can attain the true understanding of religion and its teachings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Imran, verse 31:

Say (O Muhammad): If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of love between Allah and His servants. When we sincerely love Allah and follow the teachings of His Prophet (ﷺ), Allah reciprocates this love and grants us His mercy and forgiveness. This love for Allah is the foundation upon which true faith is built.

Reflecting on the wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that worldly possessions are not the ultimate measure of Allah's love. They are transient and do not guarantee a person's success in the Hereafter. True success lies in the love of Allah and the adherence to His religion. It is through this love that one finds contentment, guidance, and eternal salvation.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate a deep and sincere love for Allah, seeking His pleasure above all else. We should prioritize our faith and spiritual growth, recognizing that worldly possessions are temporary and insignificant in comparison to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to love Him and His religion, and may He shower His mercy and blessings upon us all.