Hadith #3889

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani'tamada 'ala al-dunya fahuwa al-shaqiyyu al-mahrum.

This Hadith emphasizes the negative consequences of relying solely on the materialistic aspects of this world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "i'tamada" in Arabic refers to relying or depending on something. In this context, it signifies placing one's trust and reliance on worldly possessions, desires, and materialistic gains. The word "dunya" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and perishable. It encompasses the materialistic aspects of life, including wealth, power, and worldly pleasures.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that one who solely relies on this world is "shaqiyy" and "mahrum." The term "shaqiyy" refers to someone who is wretched, miserable, and deprived of true happiness and contentment. This deprivation stems from the fact that relying solely on the materialistic aspects of this world leads to a spiritual void and a neglect of the eternal life in the hereafter.

The term "mahrum" means deprived or denied. By relying on the transient and perishable aspects of this world, one is deprived of the blessings and rewards of the hereafter. This deprivation is not only in terms of the eternal rewards but also in terms of the spiritual growth and development that comes from seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of this world and the ultimate reality of the hereafter. It reminds us that the true compensation and reward for our actions will be given in the afterlife. Therefore, relying solely on the materialistic aspects of this world is akin to being deluded and deceived by its fleeting pleasures.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 beautifully illustrates the transient nature of this world by comparing it to rain that nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, only for it to wither away and be scattered by the winds. Just as the vegetation of this world eventually fades away, so too will the materialistic gains and pleasures we may accumulate. Therefore, relying on this world alone is futile and will ultimately lead to disappointment and regret.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal life in the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and desires, we are motivated to invest our time and efforts in actions that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the everlasting abode of Paradise.

The consequences of relying solely on this world are manifold. It leads to a neglect of spiritual growth, a disregard for moral values, and a preoccupation with materialistic pursuits. This, in turn, hampers our ability to attain true happiness, contentment, and inner peace. By prioritizing the eternal over the temporal, we are able to cultivate a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in our lives.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. While it is necessary to fulfill our worldly duties, we must not become attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. Instead, we should strive to utilize our resources and abilities in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefits both ourselves and society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life in the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and desires, we are motivated to invest our time and efforts in actions that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to live a balanced and purposeful life, seeking His pleasure in all that we do.