Hadith #10565

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No servant considers his soul to be honourable but that the world becomes lowly [and insignificant] in his eyes.

This wise utterance highlights the relationship between one's perception of their own self-worth and their perspective on the material world.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term "karumat" refers to the concept of honor or dignity, while "abd" signifies a servant or a worshipper. "Nafs" refers to the soul or the self. "Hananat" means to become lowly or insignificant, and "dunya" refers to the material world.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadeed (57:20),

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 reminds us that the material world is transient and fleeting, filled with distractions and temptations that divert us from our true purpose.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse emphasizes the allure of worldly possessions and the attachment that people develop towards them.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can now analyze the thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When a person considers their soul to be honorable, they recognize their true worth lies in their connection with Allah and their adherence to His commands. This realization leads to a shift in their perspective on the material world. The world, with all its attractions and temptations, becomes insignificant in their eyes.

Such a person does not prioritize worldly possessions, wealth, or fame. Instead, they focus on the eternal and spiritual aspects of life. They understand that the true purpose of their existence is to seek the pleasure of Allah and attain success in the hereafter. Their actions are guided by principles of righteousness, justice, and compassion, rather than the pursuit of worldly gains.

This shift in perspective has profound consequences. By considering their soul to be honorable, individuals detach themselves from the materialistic mindset that dominates society. They become less susceptible to the allure of worldly possessions and are able to resist the temptations that lead to spiritual downfall. Their hearts are filled with contentment and tranquility, as they find solace in their connection with Allah and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Moreover, this perspective enables individuals to prioritize their actions and decisions based on their impact in the hereafter, rather than temporary worldly gains. They become more conscious of their responsibilities towards others, seeking to serve and benefit humanity rather than solely pursuing their own interests. This mindset fosters a sense of selflessness and empathy, leading to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we consider our souls to be honorable, the material world loses its significance in our eyes. By prioritizing our connection with Allah and the pursuit of spiritual growth, we detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this transient world. This shift in perspective leads to a more purposeful and fulfilling life, as we focus on the eternal and strive to make a positive impact in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to adopt this honorable perspective and grant us success in both this world and the hereafter.