Hadith #3785

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

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

طالِبُ الدُّنيا بِالدّينِ مُعاقَبٌ مَذْمُوم ٌ۔

This Hadith warns us about the consequences of seeking worldly gains through religion. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (taalib) "طالِبُ" refers to the one who seeks or pursues, while (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the material world and its transient pleasures. (bid-deen) "بِالدّينِ" means through or by means of religion. The word (mu'aqabun) "مُعاقَبٌ" signifies being punished or chastised, and (madhmoon) "مَذْمُومٌ" means condemned or dispraised.

This Hadith highlights the danger of using religion as a means to achieve worldly gains. It warns that such a person will face punishment and condemnation. Seeking worldly benefits through religion is a misguided approach that distorts the true essence of faith and compromises its purity.

The Quran provides us with guidance on this matter. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And there are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize worldly gains over the Hereafter will be deprived of the eternal rewards and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 while worldly possessions may seem appealing, they are merely temporary adornments. True success lies in performing righteous deeds that will benefit us in this life and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims that our intentions and motivations in seeking religious knowledge and engaging in acts of worship should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should not allow the allure of worldly gains to corrupt our faith.

When individuals seek worldly benefits through religion, they may engage in acts of worship with insincere intentions. They may use religion as a means to gain power, wealth, or social status, rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. This leads to hypocrisy and a distortion of the true purpose of faith.

Moreover, seeking worldly gains through religion can have detrimental consequences not only for individuals but also for the wider Muslim community. It can lead to divisions, corruption, and the exploitation of religious teachings for personal gain. It undermines the integrity and credibility of the faith, causing harm to both individuals and society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our intentions and seeking knowledge and practicing our faith solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to align our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the spiritual aspects of religion over worldly gains. Seeking material benefits through religion not only leads to punishment and condemnation but also distorts the true essence of faith. Let us strive to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions, ensuring that our pursuit of the world does not compromise our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.