Hadith #704

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the worst and most deceitful type of people among our brothers. He describes them as those who entice us with the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, diverting our attention away from the eternal life of the Hereafter.

To fully understand the depth of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (sharr) "شرُّ" refers to the worst or most evil, indicating the severity of the actions of these individuals. (ikhwānik) "إخوانِكَ" means your brothers, emphasizing that these individuals may be close to us, even within our own circles. (aghshuhum) "أغَشُّهُمْ" means the most deceitful, highlighting the cunning nature of their actions. (al-'ājilah) "العاجِلَةِ" refers to the transitory or immediate world, while (al-'ājilah) "الآجِلَةِ" refers to the Hereafter or the eternal life to come.

To further comprehend the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah 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 verse illustrates the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the need to prioritize the everlasting life to come.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah warns us about the distractions of this world, saying, (Quran 28:77)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters

This verse emphasizes the importance of balancing our worldly responsibilities with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who try to divert our attention away from the Hereafter by enticing us with the temporary pleasures of this world. These individuals may use various means to distract us, such as material possessions, worldly ambitions, or indulgence in sinful activities. Their ultimate goal is to make us forget the purpose of our existence and neglect the preparation for the eternal life to come.

The consequences of falling into the trap of such individuals can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. We may become engrossed in the pursuit of worldly desires, neglecting our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. Our hearts may become hardened, and our focus may shift away from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness. This can lead to a state of heedlessness and spiritual decline, distancing us from the path of guidance.

To protect ourselves from the influence of such individuals, we must constantly remind ourselves of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. We should seek knowledge and understanding of our faith, so that we are not easily swayed by the temptations of this world. We should surround ourselves with righteous companions who remind us of our ultimate purpose and help us stay on the straight path.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who entice us with the pleasures of this transitory world and divert our attention away from the Hereafter. By understanding the temporary nature of this world and prioritizing the eternal life to come, we can protect ourselves from the deceitful influences and strive towards attaining success in both worlds. May Allah guide us and keep us steadfast on the path of righteousness.