Hadith #3887

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger of becoming attached to the materialistic aspects of this world and prioritizing them over our relationship with Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes a person who considers this world to be of great value and significance in their eyes, and who holds it in high regard in their heart. Such a person becomes so engrossed in the worldly affairs that they start to prioritize them over their devotion to Allah. They become enslaved by the allure of this world, neglecting their spiritual growth and losing sight of their ultimate purpose in life.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (azhumat) "عَظُمَتِ" means "grand" or "magnified," emphasizing the exaggerated importance given to the worldly possessions and desires. The word (kabura) "كَبُرَ" signifies the greatness or significance attributed to the position of this world in one's heart. It reflects the attachment and obsession that a person develops towards worldly matters.

This Hadith draws our attention to the Quranic teachings that emphasize the transitory nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse reminds us that the worldly attractions are merely temporary and deceptive, distracting us from the true purpose of our existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against becoming attached to the materialistic aspects of this world, saying,

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 reminds us that while the pleasures of this world may seem enticing, they are temporary and fleeting, and the true reward lies with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and evaluate their relationship with the materialistic aspects of this world. When we become overly attached to worldly possessions, wealth, and desires, we risk neglecting our spiritual growth and losing sight of our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah.

This attachment to the world can have severe consequences on our faith and spiritual well-being. It can lead us to compromise our principles, engage in unethical practices, and prioritize our desires over the commands of Allah. It can also hinder our ability to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and develop a strong connection with Allah. Ultimately, it can distance us from the path of righteousness and prevent us from attaining true success in this life and the hereafter.

To overcome the allure of this world, we must constantly remind ourselves of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the eternal nature of our relationship with Allah. We should strive to develop a balanced approach towards the materialistic aspects of this world, utilizing them as a means to fulfill our responsibilities and serve the greater good, rather than becoming enslaved by them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah over the attractions of this world. It warns against becoming attached to the materialistic aspects of life and emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual growth and fulfillment. By reflecting on the transient nature of this world and focusing on our ultimate purpose, we can strive to become true slaves of Allah and attain success in both this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the distractions of this world.