Hadith #3862

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ رَضِيَ بِالدُّنيا فاتَتْهُ الآخِرَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is pleased with this world is eluded by the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (radiya) "رَضِيَ" in this Hadith means to be content, satisfied, or pleased. It refers to a state of being where one is fully accepting and happy with the worldly life. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that if we become too attached to the materialistic aspects of this world and find contentment solely in its pleasures, we will be deceived and distracted from the ultimate goal of the Hereafter.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of the worldly life and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life to come. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse reminds us that the attractions of this world, such as wealth, status, and material possessions, are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure, but they do not hold any lasting value. Just like a plant that withers away after a short period of growth, the pleasures of this world will eventually fade away, leaving us empty-handed in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary joy and comfort, they should not be our ultimate source of contentment and satisfaction. The enduring good deeds, such as acts of worship, kindness, and charity, are what truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and hold everlasting value in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of being too attached to the pleasures of this world. When we become overly engrossed in worldly pursuits, we lose sight of our spiritual journey and neglect the preparation for the Hereafter. This can lead to a state of heedlessness and forgetfulness of our ultimate purpose in life.

By prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, urges us to seek contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteous deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not become overly attached to the pleasures and attractions of this world. While it is natural to seek comfort and enjoyment in the worldly life, we must remember that true contentment lies in prioritizing the Hereafter and striving for eternal rewards. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual journey.