Hadith #3849

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ صارَعَ الدُّنيا صَرَعَتْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who wrestles this world is knocked down by it.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of being overly attached to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life.

To better understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used. The word (sara'a) "صارَعَ" refers to wrestling or struggling with something. It implies engaging in a fierce battle or contest. In this context, it signifies the struggle or fight against the temptations and allurements of this world. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and perishable.

This Hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter. 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...

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the distractions they create.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This analogy beautifully illustrates the transitory nature of worldly possessions and pleasures.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that excessive attachment to worldly possessions, wealth, and desires can lead to spiritual downfall. When one becomes engrossed in the pursuit of materialistic gains, they lose sight of their ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for eternal success.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the hereafter. It warns against becoming entangled in the web of worldly attachments, which can distract us from our true purpose. By wrestling with the world, one becomes consumed by its temptations, leading to a state of spiritual weakness and vulnerability.

The consequences of being overly attached to this world are manifold. It can lead to neglecting acts of worship, compromising moral values, and becoming engrossed in materialistic pursuits at the expense of one's spiritual well-being. Such a person may prioritize wealth, power, and status over their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings. This can result in a loss of inner peace, contentment, and ultimately, the loss of the eternal rewards promised by Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It is essential to engage in the pursuit of worldly affairs with moderation, while keeping the remembrance of Allah and the principles of Islam at the forefront of our lives. By doing so, we can avoid being overwhelmed by the transient nature of this world and instead focus on building a strong connection with Allah and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of excessive attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world. By wrestling with the world, one risks being knocked down by its temptations and distractions. It is crucial for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth, strike a balance between worldly and spiritual pursuits, and remember that the true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the right path and protect us from the allurements of this world.