Hadith #9466

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights a crucial aspect of human nature and warns against a dangerous inclination that can lead us astray. The Hadith states,

Indeed you have become devoted to one another in the love of this transient world and the rejection of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tasafiytum) "تَصَافَيْتُمْ" comes from the root word (safa) "صَفَا", which means to become devoted or attached to something. It implies a strong emotional connection and dedication. The phrase (hubbi al-'ajil) "حُبِّ العاجِلِ" refers to the love of this transient world, the love of immediate gratification, and the pursuit of worldly desires. On the other hand, (rafdi al-'ajil) "رَفْضِ الآجِلِ" means the rejection or neglect of the Hereafter, the disregard for the eternal life and the consequences of our actions in the afterlife.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the illusion they create. It emphasizes that the true purpose of life lies in preparing for the Hereafter, where eternal consequences await us. The love of this transient world can blind us to the reality of the Hereafter, causing us to neglect our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of enjoyment in this worldly life. The true and everlasting blessings are with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is through reason and reflection that we should prioritize the Hereafter over the transient world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a wake-up call for Muslims. It urges us to reflect on our priorities and the state of our hearts. Are we consumed by the pursuit of worldly desires, neglecting our spiritual growth and the Hereafter? Are we so attached to this transient world that we forget the eternal consequences of our actions?

Devoting ourselves solely to the love of this transient world can have severe consequences. It can lead us away from the path of righteousness, causing us to engage in unethical behavior, injustice, and neglect of our religious duties. It can blind us to the true purpose of our existence and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a reminder to Muslims to strike a balance between the temporary pleasures of this world and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. We should not become so attached to worldly possessions, status, or desires that we lose sight of our ultimate goal - attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing our place in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and the state of their hearts. It warns against becoming too attached to the transient world and neglecting the Hereafter. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and striving for righteousness, we can strike a balance between the temporary pleasures of this world and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.