Hadith #5232

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 pursuits and the inevitable reality of death. The key words in this Hadith are (wretched) "شَقِيّ" and (striving to acquire) "مُجِدّ".

The word "شَقِيّ" refers to a person who is miserable, unfortunate, and spiritually deprived. It signifies someone who is engrossed in worldly desires and neglects their spiritual well-being. This word serves as a reminder of the consequences of prioritizing material gain over spiritual growth.

On the other hand, "مُجِدّ" refers to the act of striving or exerting effort to acquire something. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the relentless pursuit of worldly possessions, wealth, and status. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the irony of such individuals who are fully engrossed in their worldly pursuits, only to be confronted by death.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

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 - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the materialistic pursuits of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may provide temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they ultimately lead to disappointment and regret. The pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly gain can distract us from our true purpose in life and hinder our spiritual growth.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60):

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. So will you not use reason?

This verse serves as a reminder that the true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The temporary pleasures and possessions of this world pale in comparison to the eternal blessings of the hereafter. It urges us to reflect and use our intellect to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is highlighting the irony of those individuals who are so engrossed in their worldly pursuits that they neglect their spiritual well-being. They strive tirelessly to accumulate wealth and possessions, only to be abruptly confronted by death. This serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly gain, without considering the ultimate reality of death and the hereafter, is a futile endeavor.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect on our priorities and to strive for a balanced approach to life. While it is important to fulfill our worldly responsibilities, we must not lose sight of our spiritual growth and the ultimate purpose of our existence. The pursuit of worldly gain should not overshadow our pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and the pursuit of the hereafter over the transient pleasures and possessions of this world. It urges us to reflect on our actions and strive for a balanced approach to life, where we fulfill our worldly responsibilities while keeping our focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.