Hadith #7598

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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 highlights two contrasting states of individuals. The first is the state of being deceived or deluded, and the second is the state of being enviable or praiseworthy. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed deceived is the one who is deluded with regards to his life and enviable is one who spends his life in the obedience of his Lord.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghabin) "غَبِنَ" refers to being deceived or deluded, while (anfaza) "أَنْفَذَ" means to spend or utilize. (umrah) "عُمْرَهُ" denotes one's life or lifespan, and (ta'atirabbihi) "طاعَةِ رَبِّهِ" signifies the obedience of one's Lord.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadeed (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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse beautifully illustrates the delusion and deception that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to. The worldly life, with all its attractions and distractions, can easily deceive us into forgetting our true purpose and ultimate destination. We become engrossed in the pursuit of material gains, status, and pleasures, neglecting the obedience and remembrance of our Lord.

On the other hand, the enviable state mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is that of spending one's life in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This entails dedicating our time, efforts, and resources to fulfilling the commands of Allah and seeking His pleasure. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:92),

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending our lives, including our wealth and resources, in the path of Allah. It is not merely about fulfilling obligatory acts of worship, but also about going above and beyond in acts of charity, kindness, and service to others. By doing so, we not only attain the pleasure of Allah, but we also purify our souls and cultivate a sense of contentment and fulfillment that cannot be found in the pursuit of worldly desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of these two states. Those who are deceived by the allurements of this world will ultimately find themselves empty-handed and regretful in the Hereafter. On the other hand, those who spend their lives in the obedience of Allah will be rewarded with His forgiveness, approval, and a place of honor in the eternal abode.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Allah. It serves as a wake-up call to reevaluate our actions, intentions, and priorities. Are we deluded by the temporary pleasures of this world, or are we actively striving to spend our lives in the obedience of our Lord?

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome the deception of this world and to dedicate our lives to His obedience. May we be among those who are enviable in the sight of Allah, and may He bless us with His forgiveness and approval in the Hereafter.