Hadith #6390

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

When Allah loves a servant, He makes him hate wealth and shortens his hopes.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the transformative effect of Allah's love on an individual's perspective towards material possessions and worldly aspirations.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (baghada) "بَغَّضَ" means to hate or detest, while (al-amal) "الآمال" refers to hopes or aspirations. These words convey the idea that when Allah loves a servant, He instills in them a disdain for excessive attachment to wealth and a reduction in their desires for worldly achievements.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah says,

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 reminds us that the allure of wealth and material possessions can distract us from the ultimate purpose of our existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah warns,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

These verses serve as a reminder that excessive attachment to wealth and worldly aspirations can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and ultimately distract us from preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects the profound impact of Allah's love on an individual's heart and soul. When Allah loves a servant, He purifies their intentions and redirects their focus towards the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness. The servant's attachment to material possessions diminishes, and their desires for worldly achievements become tempered.

This transformation has profound consequences for the individual. By detaching from the allure of wealth, the servant becomes less susceptible to the vices associated with it, such as greed, arrogance, and injustice. Instead, they prioritize acts of charity, generosity, and selflessness, seeking to benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Moreover, the servant's shortened hopes signify a shift in their perspective on worldly achievements. They no longer place undue importance on temporary successes or the accumulation of material wealth. Instead, their aspirations become aligned with the pursuit of eternal rewards and the attainment of closeness to Allah.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to evaluate their relationship with wealth and worldly aspirations. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of Allah's love over the pursuit of material gain. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and redirecting our focus towards the Hereafter, we can attain true success and contentment in this life and the next.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative effect of Allah's love on an individual's perspective towards wealth and worldly aspirations. Through this love, the servant develops a disdain for excessive attachment to material possessions and a reduction in their desires for worldly achievements. This transformation aligns their priorities with the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness, leading to acts of charity, generosity, and selflessness. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and redirecting our focus towards the Hereafter, we can attain true success and contentment in this life and the next. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and earn His love.