Hadith #3713

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,

إنَّكَ إنْ عَمِلْتَ لِلدُّنيا خَسِرَتْ صَفْقَتُكَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

If you work for this world, your transaction will have made a loss.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (safqah) "صَفْقَة", which can be translated as "transaction" or "deal." It signifies any action or effort that we undertake in this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that if our intentions and actions are solely focused on worldly gains, then we will ultimately suffer a loss.

This Hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

The Quranic verse highlights that worldly possessions and material gains are temporary and fleeting. They may provide temporary pleasure and adornment, but they hold no lasting value in the sight of Allah. On the other hand, righteous deeds, which are performed with sincerity and for the sake of Allah, are the true investments that yield eternal rewards and blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that our primary focus should be on the Hereafter, and our actions should be driven by the desire to please Allah rather than seeking worldly gains. This does not mean that we should completely neglect our worldly responsibilities, but rather, we should prioritize our actions and intentions.

For instance, if a person works solely for the purpose of accumulating wealth and material possessions, without considering the ethical implications of their actions or the impact on their spiritual growth, then their transaction in this world will indeed result in a loss. They may acquire wealth and success, but it will be at the expense of their moral values and spiritual well-being.

On the other hand, if a person engages in their worldly responsibilities with the intention of fulfilling their obligations towards their family, society, and themselves, while also seeking the pleasure of Allah, then their transaction in this world will be profitable. They will not only attain worldly success but also spiritual growth and rewards in the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And of them there are some who say: 'Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!'

This verse highlights the balanced approach that Muslims should adopt. We are encouraged to seek the goodness of this world, but not at the expense of neglecting our spiritual well-being and the Hereafter. Our transactions in this world should be guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness, ensuring that our actions align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that if our intentions and actions are solely focused on worldly gains, we will ultimately suffer a loss. We should prioritize our actions and intentions, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By doing so, our transactions in this world will be profitable, both in terms of worldly success and spiritual growth. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.