Hadith #3854

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ مَلَكَتْهُ الدُّنيا كَثُرَ صَرْعُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is owned by this world falls down often.

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

The word (malakathu) "مَلَكَتْهُ" in the Hadith refers to being owned or possessed by something. In this context, it signifies being controlled or dominated by the materialistic aspects of the world. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly possessions and desires that can captivate the hearts of individuals. When one becomes engrossed in the pursuit of material wealth, power, and status, they become enslaved to the world. They are constantly preoccupied with accumulating more, and their focus shifts away from the ultimate purpose of life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequence of being owned by this world, as mentioned in the Hadith, is that one falls down often. This can be understood both metaphorically and literally. Metaphorically, it refers to the spiritual downfall that occurs when one becomes attached to the materialistic aspects of life. Their hearts become hardened, and they lose sight of the true purpose of their existence. They may engage in unethical practices, neglect their religious obligations, and prioritize worldly gains over the well-being of others.

In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the delusion they create. Just as a plant withers away after a brief period of growth, the material possessions and achievements of this world will ultimately fade away. Therefore, attaching oneself to these temporary gains is futile and leads to a constant cycle of disappointment and dissatisfaction.

Literally, the phrase "falls down often" can also be understood as the physical consequences of being excessively attached to the world. When one becomes consumed by the pursuit of wealth and power, they may engage in unethical practices, compromise their values, and neglect their physical and mental well-being. This can lead to a decline in health, strained relationships, and a general sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balanced approach towards worldly possessions. Islam teaches us to seek halal sustenance, work hard, and strive for success in this world. However, we must always prioritize our spiritual well-being and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. We should not allow ourselves to be enslaved by the materialistic aspects of life, but rather use them as a means to fulfill our responsibilities and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming owned by this world. By prioritizing our spiritual growth, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and maintaining a balanced approach towards worldly possessions, we can avoid the pitfalls of attachment to the temporary and fleeting aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the allure of this world.