Hadith #3553

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَرُبَ مِنَ الدَّنيَّةِ أُتُّهِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who comes near the despicable is accused.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications.

The word (qaruba) "قَرُبَ" means to come near or approach. In this context, it refers to drawing close to something or someone. The term (ad-dunya) "الدَّنيَّةِ" refers to the worldly life, which is transient and temporary. It encompasses material possessions, desires, and attachments that distract individuals from their spiritual journey.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that when we draw near to the despicable aspects of this worldly life, we are susceptible to being accused or blamed. This implies that engaging in immoral or unethical actions, pursuing worldly desires at the expense of our spiritual growth, or associating with those who engage in sinful behavior can lead to negative consequences.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or material possessions. When we prioritize the pursuit of worldly desires over spiritual growth, we distance ourselves from the path of righteousness and become susceptible to accusations and blame.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of indulging in the despicable aspects of this worldly life is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Whoever desires the immediate, We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse highlights that those who prioritize immediate gratification and worldly desires over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter will face severe consequences. They will be condemned and banished to the torment of Hellfire.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their actions and choices. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits and to distance ourselves from the despicable aspects of this transient life.

By avoiding sinful behavior, seeking knowledge, and striving for spiritual growth, we can protect ourselves from accusations and blame. We should surround ourselves with righteous companions and engage in acts of worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to ensure that we are on the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being over worldly desires. By distancing ourselves from the despicable aspects of this transient life, we can protect ourselves from accusations and blame. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to make choices that lead to eternal success.