Hadith #3754

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a wise utterance that offers guidance on how to approach the materialistic aspects of this world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (dunya) "دُنْيَا", which refers to the temporal world and its material possessions. It encompasses everything that is transient and perishable. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran: (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...

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (take) "خُذْ" from this world that which comes to us. This implies that we should not completely abstain from the material blessings of this world. It is permissible to enjoy the bounties granted to us by Allah, as long as we do not become attached to them and prioritize them over our spiritual growth. Allah says in the Quran: (Quran 7:32)

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.'

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (turn away) "تَوَلَّ" from that which turns away from us. This means that we should not chase after the things of this world that are not meant for us or that are harmful to our spiritual well-being. We should not be consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, or material possessions if they distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. Allah warns us in the Quran: (Quran 63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that it may not always be possible to completely turn away from the temptations of this world. Therefore, he advises us to be (moderate) "مُعْتَدِل" in what we seek. This moderation serves as a balance between indulgence and abstinence. It encourages us to seek what is necessary for our well-being in this world, while maintaining a detachment from excessive materialism. Allah reminds us in the Quran: (Quran 28:77)

And seek by means of what Allah has given you the home of the Hereafter, but do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their spiritual obligations. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and the pursuit of the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. By taking what comes to us, turning away from what is not meant for us, and being moderate in our desires, we can navigate the challenges of this world while remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness.

May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly and spiritual pursuits. Ameen.