Hadith #3573

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) states,

One who desires it (this world), it troubles him and makes him wretched.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" means to desire or long for something. It implies a strong attachment and inclination towards worldly possessions and materialistic pursuits. The word (at'abathu) "أتْعَبَتْهُ" means to exhaust, tire, or burden someone. It signifies the weariness and fatigue that accompanies the pursuit of worldly desires. Finally, the word (ashqathu) "أشْقَتهُ" means to make someone wretched or miserable. It highlights the negative consequences and unhappiness that result from an excessive attachment to worldly possessions.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the potential harm they can cause to our spiritual well-being. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

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 emphasizes that the attractions of this world are temporary and transient. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately they fade away, leaving us empty and dissatisfied. The pursuit of worldly desires can consume our energy, time, and resources, leading to exhaustion and weariness. Moreover, it can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and misery, as our desires are insatiable and can never be fully fulfilled.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:18), Allah warns us about the consequences of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. He says,

Whoever desires the immediate - We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse highlights that those who prioritize worldly desires over spiritual growth and the pursuit of the hereafter will ultimately face severe consequences. Their attachment to worldly possessions blinds them from the true purpose of life and leads them towards the path of destruction. They will be held accountable for their actions and will face the punishment of Hellfire.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us in this Hadith of the detrimental effects of excessive attachment to worldly desires. When we become too engrossed in the pursuit of materialistic gains, we lose sight of our true purpose in life and neglect our spiritual growth. This leads to a state of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and misery.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to detach ourselves from the allure of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. By prioritizing our spiritual development and seeking closeness to Allah, we can find true contentment and inner peace. This does not mean that we should completely abandon our worldly responsibilities, but rather, we should strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should ask ourselves: Are we excessively attached to worldly possessions? Are we neglecting our spiritual growth in the pursuit of materialistic gains? Are we finding true contentment and peace in our lives?

As Muslims, we should strive to prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. We should remember that the temporary pleasures of this world are fleeting, while the rewards of the hereafter are everlasting. May Allah guide us to the right path and protect us from the pitfalls of excessive attachment to worldly desires.