Hadith #4000

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion over their worldly desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of allowing our desires to dictate our religious practices.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (deenaka) "دينَكَ" refers to one's religion, encompassing their beliefs, practices, and moral values. (taba'an) "تَبَعاً" means to follow or be subservient to. (duniyaka) "دُنياكَ" refers to worldly desires and pursuits. (ahlakta) "أهْلَكْتَ" means to destroy or ruin. (khasireen) "خاسِرينَ" refers to the losers or those who suffer loss.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse highlights the danger of prioritizing worldly desires over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Those who solely focus on their worldly pursuits without considering the consequences in the Hereafter are indeed among the losers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. If we allow our religion to be overshadowed by our worldly desires, we risk losing the true purpose of our existence and the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and ensure that their religion remains the guiding force in their lives. When we prioritize our worldly desires over our religious obligations, we risk compromising our faith and losing sight of the ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter.

For example, if a person becomes so engrossed in accumulating wealth and material possessions that they neglect their prayers, charity, and other religious duties, they are essentially making their religion subservient to their worldly desires. This imbalance can lead to a gradual erosion of their faith, ultimately resulting in the destruction of their religion and their worldly life.

The consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over religion are not limited to this life alone. As Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns, those who fall into this trap will also be among the losers in the Hereafter. They will miss out on the eternal rewards and blessings promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to those who remain steadfast in their faith and prioritize their religion above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion over their worldly desires. By reflecting on the consequences of allowing our desires to dictate our religious practices, we can strive to maintain a balanced approach to life, ensuring that our faith remains strong and our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to always prioritize our religion and seek His pleasure above all else.