Hadith #3888

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny (Ahl al-Bayt), and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of becoming infatuated with the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, describes the consequences of such infatuation in vivid terms.

The key words in this Hadith are (infatuated) "شَغَفَ", (heart) "ضمير", (sadness) "أشْجاناً", (alternating) "رَقْصٌ", (distress) "هَمٌّ", (grief) "غَمٌّ", (suffocation) "كَظْمِهِ", (his death) "فَناءُهُ", and (his comrades remaining with him) "بَقائُهُ".

To understand the essence behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter.

In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 ayah beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of worldly pursuits. Just like the rain that brings temporary growth to plants, the pleasures and material possessions of this world are fleeting and will eventually fade away. Therefore, becoming infatuated with this world is futile and will only lead to disappointment and sorrow.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the consequences of such infatuation. He speaks of a sadness that keeps alternating in the black part of the heart, symbolizing the constant turmoil and restlessness that one experiences when their heart is consumed by worldly desires. This sadness is accompanied by distress and grief, which cause pain and suffering.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns that this infatuation will eventually lead to the suffocation of death. When a person becomes too engrossed in worldly pursuits, they lose sight of their ultimate purpose and their heart becomes severed from the spiritual realm. At the time of death, they are flung into the open, disconnected from the divine and the true purpose of life.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly desires. It teaches us that true contentment and fulfillment can only be found in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

We are reminded of the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in Surah Al-Baqarah, (Quran 11:15-16)

Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they therein will not be deprived. Those are the ones for whom there is not in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein, and worthless is what they used to do.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize worldly desires will be rewarded in this life, but their actions will be in vain in the Hereafter. The true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming infatuated with the materialistic aspects of this world. It highlights the consequences of such infatuation, including sadness, distress, and grief, ultimately leading to spiritual suffocation and disconnection from the divine. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can find true contentment and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the allure of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.