Hadith #3827

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of becoming excessively attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, warns us that when a person becomes more preoccupied and infatuated with the worldly possessions, it leads them towards dangerous paths and ultimately results in their destruction.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding of its meaning. The word (shughlan) "شُغْلًا" refers to being preoccupied or engrossed in something, while (zada) "زَادَ" means to increase or add. (walahan) "وَلَهًا" signifies infatuation or attachment to something, and (awradathu) "أَوْرَدَتْهُ" means to make someone enter or lead them towards something. Finally, (al-masalik) "المَسالِكَ" refers to paths or ways, and (al-mahalik) "المَهالِكِ" signifies places of destruction or calamity.

To further comprehend the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the fleeting nature of this world and the dangers of becoming too attached to its materialistic allurements. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they create. It emphasizes that the true purpose of life is not to amass wealth or indulge in worldly pleasures, but rather to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (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 the allure of worldly possessions can be captivating, but true contentment and fulfillment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the everlasting life in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual journey. While it is necessary to fulfill our worldly obligations, we must not allow ourselves to become excessively attached to material possessions. When we prioritize worldly gains over our spiritual growth, we risk losing sight of our ultimate purpose and falling into the traps of this temporary world.

The consequences of becoming infatuated with this world are manifold. It can lead to neglecting our religious duties, compromising our moral values, and engaging in unethical behavior. We may become consumed by greed, envy, and selfishness, which can harm our relationships and our overall well-being. Moreover, excessive attachment to worldly possessions can blind us to the needs of others and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations towards the less fortunate members of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that this infatuation with the world not only leads us astray but also exposes us to paths of danger and destruction. These paths can manifest in various forms, such as engaging in unlawful activities, compromising our integrity, or neglecting our spiritual growth. Ultimately, they distance us from the mercy and guidance of Allah and jeopardize our chances of attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on worldly possessions. We should strive to fulfill our responsibilities and enjoy the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, but without allowing them to distract us from our ultimate purpose and the pursuit of righteousness. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can navigate the challenges of this world with wisdom and integrity, and ultimately attain success in both realms.

May Allah guide us to the straight path and protect us from the allurements of this world. May He grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual journey. Ameen.