Hadith #3787

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of being overly attached to the material world and neglecting the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the seeker of this world misses out on the opportunity to work for the Hereafter, and death comes to him unexpectedly. Such a person only receives from this world what has been apportioned for him.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (seeker) "طالِبُ" refers to someone who actively pursues and strives for something. In this context, it refers to someone who is excessively attached to the material world and seeks its pleasures and possessions. The word (misses) "تَفُوتُهُ" implies that the seeker of this world fails to attain or achieve the rewards and blessings of the Hereafter. This is because their focus and efforts are solely directed towards worldly gains, neglecting the spiritual and eternal realm.

The phrase (and death comes to him unexpectedly)

ويُدْرِكُهُ المَوْتُ حتّى يَأخُذَهُ بَغْتَةً

emphasizes the suddenness and unpredictability of death. It serves as a reminder that no one knows when their time will come, and thus, it is essential to prepare for the Hereafter throughout one's life. The seeker of this world, engrossed in their pursuit of worldly pleasures, may be caught off guard by death, leaving them unprepared for the eternal life that awaits them.

The phrase (and he does not get from this world except what has been apportioned for him)

ولا يُدْرِكُ مِنَ الدُّنْيا إلاّ ما قُسِّمَ لَهُ

highlights the concept of divine decree and predestination. It reminds us that our sustenance and worldly possessions are predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). No matter how much one strives and seeks after worldly gains, they will only receive what has been allotted for them. This serves as a reminder that excessive attachment to the material world is futile, as one cannot acquire more than what has been destined for them.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the teachings of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

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 the transient nature of worldly possessions and highlights the importance of focusing on righteous deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. While we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of this world, our ultimate focus should be on seeking the rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter. Excessive attachment to worldly possessions and pursuits can blind us to the true purpose of our existence and hinder our progress towards eternal success. We should strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.