Hadith #5229

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the wretchedness of a person who becomes proud of their current state and is deceived by their own hopes and desires. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its essence in light of the Quran.

The word (shaqiyy) "شقيّ" in Arabic refers to someone who is wretched, miserable, or unfortunate. This term signifies a state of deep spiritual and moral deprivation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the consequences of being deceived by one's own condition and being captivated by the illusions of one's aspirations.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the illusionary nature of worldly achievements. It cautions us against becoming proud and deluded by our material possessions, status, or accomplishments. Such pride blinds us to the true purpose of life and leads to spiritual bankruptcy.

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

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 reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. We are encouraged to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. However, we should never forget that our ultimate goal is the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal abode of Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain humble and grounded, regardless of their circumstances. It warns against becoming complacent and self-satisfied, as this can lead to spiritual stagnation and the loss of focus on the ultimate purpose of life.

For example, if a person becomes proud of their wealth and material possessions, they may neglect their duties towards the less fortunate and fail to fulfill their obligations of charity and compassion. This pride can blind them to the transient nature of their wealth and prevent them from seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Similarly, if a person becomes proud of their knowledge and intellect, they may fall into the trap of arrogance and look down upon others. This arrogance can hinder their spiritual growth and prevent them from seeking further knowledge and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain humble and vigilant in their pursuit of righteousness. It warns against the dangers of pride and self-deception, urging us to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the wretchedness of pride and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.