Hadith #4011

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

Safeguard the religion through [the means of] this world and do not safeguard this world through the religion.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the preservation and protection of our faith over worldly matters.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ḥaṣṣinū) "حَصِّنُوا" means to safeguard or protect. (ad-dīna) "الدِّينَ" refers to the religion, encompassing one's beliefs, practices, and overall way of life. (bid-dunyā) "بِالدُّنْيَا" refers to the world or the worldly affairs. And (lā) "لا" means not or do not.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, '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. It is not wrong to desire success and prosperity in worldly matters, as long as it does not compromise our faith. However, the Hadith reminds us that our primary focus should always be on safeguarding our religion, even if it means sacrificing worldly gains.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against prioritizing worldly possessions over our faith. He 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 emphasizes that material possessions and worldly achievements are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure and adornment to our lives, but they cannot compare to the everlasting rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize our religious obligations and spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their religious duties and worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to use the resources and opportunities provided by this world to strengthen and protect our faith. For example, we can utilize our wealth, knowledge, and influence to support religious causes, promote justice, and help those in need.

On the other hand, the Hadith warns against using religion as a means to safeguard worldly interests. This means that we should not manipulate or distort religious teachings to justify unethical actions or to pursue personal gains. Our faith should never be compromised or exploited for worldly benefits, as this goes against the essence of true religion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to prioritize the preservation and protection of their faith over worldly matters. It reminds us to use the resources and opportunities provided by this world to strengthen our religion, while cautioning against using religion as a means to safeguard worldly interests. By striking a balance between our religious obligations and worldly responsibilities, we can lead a meaningful and purposeful life, seeking success and prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in safeguarding our faith.