Hadith #8872

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ المُقْتَنَياتِ الحُزْنُ۔" This can be translated as,

The fruit of acquisitions is sorrow.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

First, let us explore the key words in this Hadith. (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" refers to the fruit or outcome of something. (al-muqtanayat) "المُقْتَنَياتِ" refers to acquisitions or possessions. And finally, (al-huzn) "الحُزْنُ" means sorrow or grief.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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 acquisitions. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately they wither away and turn into debris. The pursuit of material wealth and possessions can consume a person's life, leading to a constant cycle of acquiring and desiring more. This insatiable desire for worldly acquisitions can lead to a sense of emptiness and sorrow when the reality of their impermanence sets in.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:38-39),

O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.

This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly acquisitions. The pursuit of material wealth and possessions should not overshadow our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. When we become too attached to the temporary pleasures of this world, we may neglect our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteous deeds, leading to a sense of sorrow and regret.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, reminds us through this Hadith that the pursuit of worldly acquisitions can ultimately lead to sorrow. This sorrow may arise from the realization that material possessions cannot bring true happiness and fulfillment. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter and to not be consumed by the transient nature of worldly possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a valuable lesson about the consequences of pursuing worldly acquisitions. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness over material possessions. By doing so, we can find true contentment and avoid the sorrow that comes from attaching ourselves to the fleeting pleasures of this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith and guide us on the path of righteousness.