Hadith #2182

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

The most judicious of all people is one who deems his worldly affairs to be unimportant.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal and spiritual aspects of life over the temporary and materialistic aspects.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ahzamu) "أحْزَمُ" refers to the most judicious or wise. It signifies a person who possesses wisdom, insight, and the ability to make sound judgments. The word (nas) "نَاسِ" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals. (mani) "مَنِ" means one who, indicating that the quality being described is applicable to a specific type of person. (istahana) "استَهانَ" means to consider something unimportant, to belittle or disregard its significance. Finally, (bi-amri dunyahu) "بِأمْرِ دُنْياهُ" refers to one's worldly affairs, encompassing all the materialistic aspects of life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly matters. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah says,

Wealth and children are the 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 although wealth and children may bring temporary pleasure and adornment to our worldly lives, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200, Allah says,

So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance.

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and prioritizing our spiritual connection with Him even amidst our worldly engagements. It reminds us that our remembrance of Allah should surpass our preoccupation with worldly matters.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the most judicious person is one who recognizes the fleeting nature of worldly affairs and places greater importance on the eternal aspects of life. Such a person understands that material possessions, wealth, and worldly success are transitory and will eventually fade away. They prioritize their relationship with Allah, their spiritual growth, and their pursuit of good deeds that will benefit them in the Hereafter.

This mindset has profound consequences on the way we live our lives. When we deem our worldly affairs to be unimportant, we are less likely to be consumed by the pursuit of wealth, power, and material possessions. Instead, we focus on fulfilling our religious obligations, seeking knowledge, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness. We become more content with what we have, recognizing that true happiness lies in our connection with Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this mindset throughout his life. He prioritized his spiritual growth, his devotion to Allah, and his service to humanity over worldly gains. His actions and teachings serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us of the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of deeming our worldly affairs to be unimportant in comparison to our spiritual growth and pursuit of righteousness. By prioritizing the eternal aspects of life, we can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. May Allah guide us all to adopt this mindset and grant us the wisdom to make sound judgments in all aspects of our lives.