Hadith #4030

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Safeguard your religion through your worldly life and you will gain both of them, and do not safeguard your worldly life through your religion thereby losing both of them.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (safeguard) "صُنْ" means to protect, preserve, or take care of something. (your religion) "دينَكَ" refers to one's faith, beliefs, and religious practices. (through your worldly life) "بِدُنْياكَ" refers to one's material possessions, desires, and worldly pursuits. (you will gain both of them) "تَرْبَحْهُما" implies that by prioritizing and balancing one's religious and worldly obligations, one can attain success in both aspects of life. On the other hand, (do not safeguard your worldly life through your religion)

لا تَصُنْ دُنْياكَ بِدينِكَ

warns against neglecting or compromising one's religious duties for the sake of worldly gains. Finally, (thereby losing both of them) "فَتَخْسَرَهُما" highlights the potential consequences of prioritizing worldly pursuits over one's religious obligations.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It is not a call to abandon worldly pursuits, but rather a reminder to seek them in a way that aligns with our religious values and obligations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that while worldly pursuits may bring temporary pleasure and adornment, they should not be prioritized over our religious obligations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to strike a balance between our religious and worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to prioritize our faith and religious practices, while also acknowledging the importance of fulfilling our worldly duties. By safeguarding our religion through our worldly life, we can achieve success in both realms. For example, a Muslim who prioritizes their daily prayers, fulfills their obligations towards their family, and maintains ethical business practices is likely to find peace and contentment in this world, while also earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, neglecting our religious obligations for the sake of worldly gains can lead to negative consequences. For instance, if one compromises their integrity, engages in dishonest practices, or neglects their religious duties in pursuit of wealth or status, they may find themselves spiritually empty and disconnected from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such individuals may also face difficulties and challenges in their worldly affairs, as the blessings and barakah that come from prioritizing one's faith may be absent.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their religious and worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to prioritize our faith and religious practices, while also fulfilling our worldly duties in a manner that aligns with our religious values. By doing so, we can attain success and contentment in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to live our lives in accordance with this profound teaching.