Hadith #3587

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in preserving their spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings, as well as its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (your share) "حَظَّكَ" refers to the portion or allocation that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon each individual. It encompasses the blessings, provisions, and opportunities that Allah has ordained for us in this worldly life. It is a divine gift that should not be undervalued or traded away for the fleeting and insignificant pleasures of this world.

The term (your rank) "زُلْفَتَكَ" signifies the spiritual status and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that one attains through sincere devotion and righteous deeds. It represents the elevated position that a believer can achieve in the sight of Allah, which is far more valuable than any worldly possessions or temporary gains.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against selling our share from our Lord and our rank with Him for the (worthless vanities of this world)

حَقِيرٍ مِنْ حُطَامِ الدُّنْيَا

This phrase emphasizes the insignificance and transitory nature of worldly possessions and desires. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of material wealth and worldly pleasures should never take precedence over our spiritual well-being and our relationship with Allah.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our eternal life in the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah says,

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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly life and emphasizes the ultimate reward that awaits believers in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly possessions and desires is merely an illusion, while the true and everlasting happiness lies in attaining the pleasure of Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that the true adornments of this world are not material possessions, but rather the righteous deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah. These deeds have eternal value and are far more valuable in the sight of Allah than any worldly wealth or status.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we realize the importance of prioritizing our spiritual connection with Allah over the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world. It serves as a reminder to constantly evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that we do not compromise our share from our Lord and our rank with Him for the trivial and insignificant vanities of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to prioritize our eternal relationship with Him over the fleeting desires of this world. May He guide us to seek His pleasure and attain the highest ranks in the Hereafter.