Hadith #3876

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who builds his world corrupts his religion and ruins his Hereafter.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our religious obligations over worldly pursuits.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (amar) "عَمَرَ" means to build or construct, and in this context, it refers to the actions and efforts we put into shaping our worldly lives. (dunyāh) "دُنياهُ" refers to the temporary and material aspects of this world, including wealth, possessions, and worldly success. (afsada) "أفْسَدَ" means to corrupt or spoil, while (dīnah) "دينَهُ" refers to one's religion or faith. Lastly, (ākhirah) "أخْراهُ" signifies the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our faith. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:46)

Wealth and children are the 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 highlights the transitory nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the superiority of good deeds in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah warns us against becoming too attached to worldly pursuits, stating, (Quran 3:14)

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 reminds us that while worldly pleasures may seem enticing, they pale in comparison to the rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their religious obligations. While it is not inherently wrong to seek success and prosperity in this world, we must not allow these pursuits to overshadow our spiritual growth and devotion to Allah. When we prioritize our worldly desires above our religious duties, we risk compromising our faith and jeopardizing our Hereafter.

For example, if an individual becomes excessively engrossed in accumulating wealth and material possessions, they may neglect their prayers, charity, and other acts of worship. This neglect can lead to a gradual erosion of their faith, as their focus shifts away from the remembrance of Allah and towards the pursuit of worldly gains. Consequently, their religion becomes corrupted, and their Hereafter is ruined.

On the other hand, when we prioritize our faith and fulfill our religious obligations, we are more likely to lead a balanced and righteous life. By seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and adhering to the teachings of Islam, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and safeguard our religion. This, in turn, ensures that our worldly pursuits are guided by the principles of Islam and do not compromise our faith or jeopardize our Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion over worldly pursuits. By striking a balance between our worldly and spiritual lives, we can ensure that our actions and efforts in this world are in alignment with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all to prioritize our faith and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.