Hadith #3934

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

People do not abandon anything from their religion for the sake of this world but that Allah opens for them that which is more harmful for them.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deep meaning in the light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (deenihim) "دينِهم" refers to one's religion, encompassing all aspects of faith, beliefs, and practices. The term (islah) "إصْلاحِ" means to rectify or improve. The word (dunyāhum) "دُنْياهُمْ" refers to the worldly affairs and desires. Lastly, (adarr) "أضَرُّ" means more harmful or detrimental.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between our religious obligations and worldly pursuits. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse highlights the significance of upholding our religious duties while facing the challenges of the world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah narrates the story of the two gardens, where one owner became arrogant and forgot to attribute his blessings to Allah. As a consequence, his garden was destroyed, and he lost all that he had (Quran 18:32-42). This story serves as a reminder that when we prioritize worldly gains over our religious obligations, we risk losing the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the dangerous consequences of abandoning any aspect of our religion for the sake of worldly pursuits. When individuals compromise their faith, they may gain temporary benefits or material success, but in reality, they are opening themselves up to greater harm and spiritual loss. This harm can manifest in various forms, such as a loss of inner peace, a weakened connection with Allah, and a deviation from the path of righteousness.

Let us consider an example to illustrate the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. Imagine a person who neglects their daily prayers due to their preoccupation with worldly affairs. Initially, they may feel a sense of accomplishment and progress in their worldly pursuits. However, by abandoning their prayers, they are disconnecting themselves from the spiritual nourishment and guidance that Salah provides. Over time, they may experience a void within themselves, a lack of contentment, and a feeling of being spiritually lost. This is the harm that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about.

The consequences of prioritizing worldly gains over our religious obligations extend beyond the individual level. When a society as a whole neglects its religious values and principles for the sake of material progress, it risks losing its moral compass and falling into corruption, injustice, and social decay. History has shown us numerous examples of civilizations that crumbled when they abandoned their religious foundations.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religious obligations over worldly pursuits. It highlights the potential harm and detrimental consequences that arise when individuals and societies compromise their faith for temporary gains. By adhering to our religious principles and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the allure of worldly temptations.