Hadith #3869

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مَنْ قَعَدَ عَنْ طَلَبِ الدُّنيا قامَتْ إلَيهِ۔

This Hadith is a beautiful saying that holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims. Let us delve into its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (keeps back) "قَعَدَ" and (seeking this world) "طَلَبِ الدُّنيا". The word "قَعَدَ" implies refraining or abstaining from something, while "طَلَبِ الدُّنيا" refers to the pursuit or desire for worldly possessions and material gains.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (28:77)

And seek by means of what 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking the Hereafter while not neglecting our share of the world. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their spiritual aspirations and their worldly responsibilities. It is in this context that Imam Ali's Hadith gains significance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising Muslims to refrain from excessive attachment to the material world. By keeping back from the relentless pursuit of worldly possessions, one can experience a profound transformation. This transformation is beautifully expressed in the second part of the Hadith, which states,

it rises towards him.

The phrase

it rises towards him

implies that when a person abstains from seeking the world, the world itself comes to them. This does not mean that the world will be handed to them on a silver platter, but rather that the blessings and provisions of the world will be facilitated for them in a way that aligns with their spiritual journey.

To further understand this concept, we can refer to Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

These verses highlight that when a person prioritizes their relationship with Allah and refrains from excessive attachment to the material world, Allah will open doors of provision and blessings for them from unexpected sources. This is the essence of Imam Ali's Hadith.

By keeping back from the pursuit of worldly possessions, a Muslim demonstrates their trust in Allah's divine plan and their commitment to seeking the Hereafter. This act of self-restraint and detachment from the material world is not only a means of spiritual growth but also a way to attain contentment and tranquility in this life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is guiding Muslims to prioritize their eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. He encourages us to seek the pleasure of Allah and the rewards of the Hereafter, knowing that by doing so, the world itself will come to us in a way that is aligned with our spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. By refraining from excessive attachment to the material world, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's divine plan and open ourselves to the blessings and provisions of the world in a way that aligns with our spiritual journey. May Allah guide us all to prioritize the Hereafter and grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of this world.