Hadith #3290

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 phrase of the Hadith is "قَدْ تُزْري الدَّنِيَّةُ". Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith.

1. (tuzri) "تُزْرِي": This word is derived from the root (zara) "زَرَى", which means to lower, degrade, or bring down. In this context, it refers to the act of committing a vice or sin that leads to the degradation of the individual.

2. (ad-duniya) "الدَّنِيَّةُ": This word refers to the worldly life, the temporal existence that we experience in this world. It encompasses the material possessions, desires, and pursuits that often distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith.

1. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:176):

And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the consequences of following one's desires and clinging to the worldly life. It compares such individuals to a dog, constantly panting and seeking satisfaction, but never finding true contentment. This aligns with the message of the Hadith, emphasizing the debasement that can result from indulging in vices.

2. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and possessions. However, instead of using his wealth for the betterment of society and the worship of Allah, he became arrogant and tyrannized his people. This led to his ultimate downfall and destruction. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of becoming attached to the material world and the negative consequences it can have on our character and spiritual well-being.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that committing vices can lead to our own degradation and downfall. Indulging in sinful acts not only distances us from Allah, but it also tarnishes our character and diminishes our moral standing.

When we engage in vices, we are essentially prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this worldly life over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. We become slaves to our desires and lose sight of our ultimate purpose, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. This attachment to the material world blinds us from the truth and prevents us from attaining true spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The consequences of committing vices can manifest in various ways. It can lead to a loss of self-respect, strained relationships, and a weakened connection with Allah. Moreover, indulging in vices can create a cycle of addiction and dependency, trapping individuals in a never-ending pursuit of temporary gratification.

Therefore, as Muslims, we must strive to resist the temptations of this worldly life and focus on cultivating our spiritual well-being. We should constantly seek Allah's guidance and protection from falling into vices. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can safeguard ourselves from the debasement that comes with committing sins.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the vices that can lead to our own degradation. By reflecting on the consequences of indulging in sinful acts and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive for spiritual growth and attain the ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the allure of this worldly life.