Hadith #3902

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective towards the worldly possessions and achievements. The Imam advises us not to become excessively joyful when we acquire something in this world, and not to be overwhelmed with sadness when we miss out on something.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith by examining its key words. The word (farahan) "فَرَحاً" translates to "overjoyed" or "excessively happy." It signifies a state of extreme delight and elation. On the other hand, the word (huznan) "حُزْناً" means "sadness" or "grief." It refers to a feeling of deep sorrow and disappointment.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us about the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of not becoming attached to them. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), 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...

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the distractions they create.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah states,

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 emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's advice aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. By cautioning against excessive joy and despair in relation to worldly gains and losses, he reminds us to maintain a balanced perspective. Excessive joy can lead to arrogance and forgetfulness of Allah's blessings, while excessive sadness can lead to despair and a lack of trust in Allah's plan.

Imam Ali's wisdom can be understood through various examples. For instance, if someone becomes overly joyful upon acquiring wealth, they may become consumed by materialistic desires and neglect their spiritual obligations. This excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to a neglect of the Hereafter and a loss of focus on the ultimate purpose of life.

Similarly, if someone becomes excessively saddened by a missed opportunity or a loss, they may fall into a state of despair and hopelessness. This can hinder their ability to move forward and seek alternative paths towards success and contentment. By advising against such extreme emotional reactions, Imam Ali encourages us to maintain a balanced mindset and rely on Allah's wisdom and guidance.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's advice are profound. By not becoming excessively joyful or saddened by worldly gains and losses, we can cultivate a state of contentment and gratitude. We recognize that true happiness lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness, rather than in the accumulation of material possessions.

Furthermore, by maintaining a balanced perspective, we can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with resilience and trust in Allah's plan. We understand that success and failure are both tests from Allah, and our ultimate goal should be to seek His pleasure in all circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective towards worldly possessions and achievements. By not becoming excessively joyful or saddened by them, we can cultivate contentment, gratitude, and trust in Allah's plan. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali and seek a balanced and purposeful life, guided by the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).