Hadith #9672

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

بِئْسَ الرَّجُلُ مَنْ باعَ دينَهُ بِدُنْيا غَيْرِهِ۔

This powerful statement highlights the severity of a person who compromises their faith for the sake of worldly gains that belong to others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bis) "بِئْسَ" in Arabic denotes extreme negativity and is used to emphasize the severity of a situation. It signifies the utmost condemnation and disapproval. In this context, it emphasizes the gravity of the action being described. The word (rajul) "رَّجُلُ" refers to a person, indicating that this warning applies to both men and women.

The phrase (man ba'a deenahu) "مَنْ باعَ دينَهُ" translates to

he who sells his religion.

Here, the term (deenahu) "دينَهُ" refers to one's faith, beliefs, and religious principles. Selling one's religion implies compromising or abandoning it in exchange for worldly benefits. It is a metaphorical expression that highlights the betrayal of one's faith for personal gain.

The phrase (bidunya ghayrihi) "بِدُنْيا غَيْرِهِ" means

for the worldly life of others.

(bidunya) "بِدُنْيا" refers to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life, including wealth, power, and status. (ghayrihi) "غَيْرِهِ" means "others" or "someone else." Therefore, this phrase signifies sacrificing one's faith for the sake of satisfying the desires and interests of others.

To understand the gravity of this act, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:85),

Then is it that you believe in a part of the Scripture and disbelieve in the other? So, what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life?

This verse cautions against cherry-picking and selectively adhering to certain aspects of the religion while disregarding others. It highlights the consequences of such actions, which include disgrace and humiliation in this worldly life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:187), Allah reminds us,

And [mention] when Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture, [saying], 'You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it.' But they threw it away behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. And wretched is that which they purchased.

This verse refers to the people of the Book who neglected their responsibilities and distorted the teachings of their scriptures for worldly gains. It emphasizes the severe consequences of betraying one's religious obligations for personal benefit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of unwavering faith and steadfastness in upholding religious principles. It warns against compromising one's beliefs and values for the sake of worldly gains that belong to others. Such actions not only lead to disgrace and humiliation in this life but also jeopardize one's eternal salvation.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their faith over worldly desires and to remain steadfast in their religious convictions, even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that true success lies in the preservation of our faith and the pursuit of righteousness, rather than in the pursuit of temporary worldly gains.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion over worldly temptations. It warns against compromising one's faith for the sake of satisfying the desires and interests of others. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the consequences of such actions, we are reminded of the importance of unwavering faith and the severe consequences of betraying our religious obligations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith and protect us from the temptation to sell our religion for worldly gains.