Hadith #8032

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الْمَغْبُونُ مَنْ شُغِلَ بِالدُّنْيَا وَفَاتَهُ حَظُّهُ مِنَ الْآخِرَةِ

which translates to

Deceived is the one who is occupied with the world and loses his share of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (maghboon) "مَغْبُونُ" refers to someone who is deceived or at a loss. It implies that such a person has been tricked or misled by the allurements of this worldly life. The word (shughila) "شُغِلَ" means to be preoccupied or engrossed in something. In this context, it refers to being excessively absorbed in worldly matters, neglecting the spiritual and eternal aspects of life. (wafatahu) "وَفَاتَهُ" means to lose or miss out on something. Finally, (hazzuhu) "حَظُّهُ" signifies one's share or portion.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which provides guidance on the consequences of being overly attached to the material world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

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 ayah reminds us that the true compensation and reward for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. Those who are deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world will ultimately lose their share of the eternal bliss in the Hereafter. The pursuit of worldly desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions:

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 emphasizes that the true value lies in our righteous deeds and the pursuit of spiritual growth, rather than in the accumulation of material wealth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It cautions against becoming so engrossed in the pursuit of worldly gains that we neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. The consequences of such preoccupation are not limited to the loss of rewards in the Hereafter but can also lead to a spiritual void and a sense of emptiness in this life.

We can reflect upon this Hadith by considering the example of a person who dedicates their entire life to amassing wealth and pursuing worldly success. While they may achieve temporary satisfaction and material comfort, they may neglect their spiritual growth, neglect the rights of others, and fail to fulfill their obligations towards Allah. Ultimately, when they depart from this world, they will realize that they have lost their share of the eternal rewards and blessings that await in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and not be deceived by the temporary allurements of this world. It urges us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our obligations towards Allah and the Hereafter. By doing so, we can ensure that we do not lose our share of the eternal rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate this world while keeping our focus on the ultimate goal of attaining His pleasure and eternal bliss.