Hadith #3708

Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to prioritize our religion over the worldly matters. The key words in this Hadith are (your world) "دُنْياكَ" and (your religion) "دينِكَ".

The word "دُنْياكَ" refers to the temporal and material aspects of our lives, including our wealth, possessions, and worldly pursuits. It encompasses everything that is transient and perishable in this world. On the other hand, "دينِكَ" refers to our faith, beliefs, and religious practices. It encompasses our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), our devotion to Him, and our adherence to His commandments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that if we prioritize our religion over our worldly pursuits, we will not only safeguard our faith but also attain success in both this world and the Hereafter. By making our worldly endeavors subservient to our religious obligations, we ensure that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and that we do not compromise our faith for the sake of worldly gains.

This advice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our religion over worldly matters in several ayats. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah] who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.

This ayat highlights the importance of seeking help from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through patience and prayer. It reminds us that true success lies in our submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our certainty in the Day of Judgment. By prioritizing our religious obligations, we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase our chances of success in this world and the Hereafter.

Another ayat that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 18:45)

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 ayat reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and pursuits. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and causes vegetation to grow, the blessings and wealth of this world are temporary and will eventually wither away. By prioritizing our religion, we focus on the eternal and everlasting aspects of our lives, rather than being consumed by the fleeting pleasures and material gains of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to maintain a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our religious obligations. It encourages us to use the resources and opportunities of this world to serve our faith and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we not only safeguard our religion but also find success and contentment in both this world and the Hereafter.

For example, if we prioritize our religious duties such as prayer, fasting, and charity, we will find that our worldly affairs are also blessed. Our work and endeavors will be guided by the principles of justice, honesty, and integrity, leading to success and fulfillment in our professional and personal lives. By making our religion the foundation of our actions and decisions, we establish a strong moral compass that guides us towards righteousness and prevents us from falling into the traps of greed, materialism, and unethical behavior.

Furthermore, prioritizing our religion over worldly matters helps us maintain a sense of perspective and purpose. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain success in the Hereafter. This perspective allows us to navigate the challenges and trials of this world with patience, resilience, and gratitude. We understand that the trials and tribulations we face are temporary, and our true reward lies in the eternal bliss of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our religion over our worldly pursuits. By making our worldly endeavors subservient to our religious obligations, we safeguard our faith, find success in this world and the Hereafter, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our religion and attain success in all aspects of our lives.