Hadith #5231

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

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

The most wretched of [all] people is one who sells his religion for someone else’s worldly gain.

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

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ashqa) "أشْقَى" refers to the most wretched or miserable state of a person. It signifies a state of extreme unhappiness and misfortune. The term (ba'a) "باعَ" means to sell or trade, and (deenahu) "دينَهُ" refers to one's religion or faith. Lastly, (dunya ghayrihi) "دُنْيا غَيْرِهِ" translates to someone else's worldly gain.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of holding steadfast to one's faith and not compromising it for worldly desires. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:207)

And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing the pleasure of Allah over any worldly gain. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking the approval of Allah and not in material possessions or temporary benefits. Selling one's religion for the sake of worldly gain is a grave betrayal of one's faith and a path towards misery and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah narrates the story of the companions of the cave who sought refuge in a cave to protect their faith from the corrupt society they lived in. They chose to abandon their worldly possessions and seek the pleasure of Allah, even at the risk of their lives. Allah says, (Quran 18:10)

And [mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, 'Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance'

This story exemplifies the unwavering commitment of these young believers to their faith, even in the face of adversity. They understood that true success lies in preserving their religion and seeking guidance from Allah, rather than compromising their faith for worldly gains.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and not to compromise their religious principles for temporary worldly benefits. It warns against the dangers of prioritizing material possessions, power, or the approval of others over the pleasure of Allah.

Selling one's religion for worldly gain can have severe consequences, both in this life and the hereafter. It leads to a state of wretchedness and misery, as one loses the spiritual connection with Allah and becomes enslaved to the desires and whims of others. Such individuals may attain temporary worldly success, but they ultimately lose the eternal reward promised by Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strengthen our faith and resist any temptations or pressures that may lead us to compromise our religious principles. We should prioritize the pleasure of Allah over any worldly gain, knowing that true success lies in the eternal blessings of the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to remain steadfast in our faith and protect us from the pitfalls of selling our religion for worldly gains. May He guide us to make choices that are pleasing to Him and lead us to eternal success.