Hadith #3907

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 transient nature of worldly wealth and the dangers associated with becoming overly attached to it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking saying, exploring its implications and drawing upon the teachings of the Quran to gain a deeper understanding.

The Hadith begins with the words

مالَكَ وما إنْ أدْرَكْتَهُ

which can be translated as

What is [the matter] with you that which, if you acquire it [the wealth of this world]

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is questioning the mindset of individuals who become consumed by their pursuit of worldly possessions. He is highlighting the obsession with material wealth that can distract us from the true purpose of our existence and prevent us from enjoying the blessings bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

شَغَلَكَ بِصَلاحِهِ عَنِ الاستِمتاعِ بِهِ

which can be translated as

its improvement [and seeking something better than it] preoccupies you from enjoying it

This part of the Hadith emphasizes how the constant pursuit of wealth and the desire for more can consume our time, energy, and focus. Instead of finding contentment and joy in what we have, we are constantly striving for more, neglecting the present moment and the blessings that surround us.

The Hadith continues,

وإنْ تَمَتَّعْتَ بِهِ نَغَّصَهُ عَلَيكَ ظَفَرُ المَوتِ بِكَ

which can be translated as

and if you enjoy it, it spoils it [the enjoyment] for you with the victory of death over you

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the ultimate reality of death and its ability to strip away all worldly possessions. No matter how much wealth we accumulate or how much enjoyment we derive from it, death will eventually separate us from it all. The pursuit of material wealth, when not balanced with the remembrance of death and the preparation for the hereafter, can lead to a sense of emptiness and regret.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the distractions they can become. It emphasizes that the true purpose of life is not the accumulation of wealth, but rather the pursuit of righteousness and the preparation for the eternal life to come.

In Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the grave.

This verse serves as a reminder that the obsession with worldly possessions can lead us astray and distract us from our ultimate destination - the grave. It cautions us against becoming so preoccupied with the pursuit of wealth that we neglect our spiritual growth and fail to prepare for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual well-being. While it is not inherently wrong to seek wealth and enjoy the blessings of this world, we must not allow these pursuits to consume us to the point where they distract us from our ultimate purpose. We should strive for moderation and contentment, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the preparation for the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and not become overly attached to the transient nature of worldly wealth. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to strike a balance between our material pursuits and our spiritual well-being, ultimately finding true contentment and fulfillment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the preparation for the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.