Hadith #3728

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When something of this world slips away from you then do not despair, and when you do good, do not put others under obligation.

This profound statement holds valuable lessons for Muslims in dealing with the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of selflessness in our actions.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (fatak) "فاتَكَ" means "slips away" or "is missed." It refers to the loss or absence of something in this worldly life. The word (hazan) "حَزَنْ" means "despair" or "grief." It signifies a state of sadness or sorrow that arises from the loss of worldly possessions or opportunities. On the other hand, the word (ahsanta) "أحْسَنْتَ" means "you do good" or "you excel." It highlights the importance of performing righteous deeds and acts of kindness. Finally, the word (tamnun) "تَمْنُنْ" means

putting others under obligation

or "expecting gratitude." It implies seeking recognition or repayment for the good deeds we have done.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials and losses are a part of life, and it is through patience and trust in Allah that we can overcome them. When something slips away from us, whether it is wealth, health, or any other worldly possession, we should not despair. Instead, we should remain patient and have faith in Allah's wisdom and plan for us.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds without seeking any worldly gain or recognition. In Surah Al-Insan, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

They give food, despite their own need, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity of those who do good deeds solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. They do not expect anything in return, nor do they seek gratitude or praise from others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective. When we experience loss or setbacks in this world, we should not allow ourselves to be consumed by grief and despair. Instead, we should turn to Allah and seek solace in His infinite mercy and wisdom. We should remember that this world is temporary, and our ultimate goal is to attain the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Similarly, when we perform acts of kindness and righteousness, we should do so purely for the sake of Allah. We should not expect anything in return or seek recognition from others. Our intentions should be solely focused on pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure. This selflessness in our actions not only purifies our intentions but also ensures that we do not burden others or put them under obligation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us valuable lessons about dealing with the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of selflessness in our actions. It reminds us to remain patient and trust in Allah's plan when faced with loss or setbacks. It also emphasizes the need to perform good deeds solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting anything in return. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand these teachings and the strength to implement them in our lives.