Hadith #4458

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he raises a thought-provoking question about the capability of a heart that is attached to the materialistic aspects of this world to be content with what has been decreed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word used in the hadith to describe such a heart is (mutawallih) "مُتَوَلِّهُ", which signifies a strong inclination or attachment towards something.

To understand the depth of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the importance of detaching our hearts from its allurements. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary satisfaction they provide. It serves as a reminder that the heart inclined towards this world will always be in a state of restlessness and dissatisfaction, as it constantly seeks more and is never content with what it has.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:96)

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.

This verse emphasizes the insatiable desire for worldly pleasures that can consume a person's heart. It warns against the consequences of such attachment, as it blinds one from the reality of the hereafter and the eternal consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his profound question is highlighting the contradiction between a heart that is attached to the materialistic aspects of this world and the concept of contentment with the divine decree. A heart that is constantly seeking worldly possessions and pleasures will always be in a state of dissatisfaction, as it is unable to accept and be content with what Allah has decreed for it.

The consequences of having a heart inclined towards this world are manifold. Firstly, it leads to a constant state of restlessness and discontentment. Such a heart is always chasing after worldly desires, never finding true satisfaction. Secondly, it blinds a person from the reality of the hereafter and the importance of preparing for it. The attachment to this world becomes a barrier between the individual and their spiritual growth, preventing them from focusing on their ultimate purpose in life.

Moreover, having a heart inclined towards this world can lead to unethical behavior and a disregard for the rights of others. When one becomes consumed by their desires for worldly possessions, they may resort to unjust means to acquire them, causing harm to themselves and others. This attachment can also lead to arrogance, as one may believe that their wealth and possessions define their worth, leading to a sense of superiority over others.

Reflecting on this hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of purifying their hearts from attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world. It serves as a call to detach ourselves from the temporary pleasures and possessions and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. By redirecting our hearts towards the remembrance of Allah and seeking His pleasure, we can find true contentment and peace.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to examine the state of their hearts and the extent of their attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world. It highlights the contradiction between a heart inclined towards this world and the concept of contentment with the divine decree. By reflecting on the transient nature of this world and redirecting our hearts towards the remembrance of Allah, we can find true contentment and peace in our lives. May Allah guide us all to purify our hearts and grant us the ability to be content with His decree.