Hadith #7794

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

عامِلُ الدّينِ لِلدُّنْيا جَزاؤُهُ عِنْدَ اللّهِ النّارُ۔

This Hadith warns us about the consequences of performing religious acts solely for worldly gain. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aamilu) "عامِلُ" refers to someone who performs or acts upon something. In this context, it refers to a person who practices or follows the religion of Islam. The word (ad-deen) "الدّينِ" means religion, encompassing all aspects of faith, worship, and moral conduct. The phrase (lil-dunya) "لِلدُّنْيا" means for the sake of the world or worldly gain. And finally, (jaza'uhu) "جَزاؤُهُ" means his recompense or reward.

The Hadith emphasizes that if a person's motivation for practicing religion is solely to attain worldly benefits, then their recompense from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will be nothing but the punishment of Hellfire. This serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims that their intentions and motivations behind their religious acts should be pure and sincere, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

But among them is he who says, '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 highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. However, it is crucial to note that the primary focus should be on the Hereafter, as the punishment of the Fire is a grave consequence for those who prioritize worldly gains over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

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 reminds us that worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary adornments of this life. While they may provide temporary pleasure and comfort, they hold no value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compared to the enduring good deeds performed with sincerity and for the sake of pleasing Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and motivations behind their religious acts. It warns against the dangers of performing acts of worship solely for worldly gain, as it leads to the severe consequence of Hellfire.

When a person's intention is solely focused on worldly gains, their actions become devoid of sincerity and true devotion to Allah. They may engage in religious practices to gain social status, material wealth, or other worldly benefits, rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah alone. This not only diminishes the value of their acts of worship but also exposes them to the punishment of Hellfire.

On the other hand, a sincere and devoted believer performs religious acts solely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Their actions are driven by love, gratitude, and a deep understanding of their purpose in this world. They prioritize the commands of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), using their knowledge and understanding to guide their actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims that their intentions and motivations behind their religious acts should be pure and sincere. It warns against the dangers of performing acts of worship solely for worldly gain, as it leads to the severe consequence of Hellfire. Muslims should strive to prioritize the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over temporary worldly benefits. May Allah guide us all to sincerity and righteousness in our actions and intentions.