Hadith #3853

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ سَلا عَنِ الدُّنيا أتَتْهُ راغِمَةً۔

This can be translated as,

One who thinks little of this world, it comes to him humiliated.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (sala) "سَلا" in this Hadith refers to someone who considers this worldly life as insignificant and does not attach their heart to its materialistic allurements. They prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world. The word (raghima) "راغِمَةً" means that the world comes to such a person in a state of humiliation, as it fails to captivate their heart or distract them from their ultimate purpose.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of this worldly life and encourages believers to focus on the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?

The Quranic verse highlights the temporary nature of this worldly life and reminds us that true success lies in attaining Paradise in the Hereafter. Those who detach themselves from the allurements of this world and prioritize their spiritual growth will be rewarded with eternal bliss.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a mindset that is focused on the Hereafter. When we prioritize our spiritual development and seek closeness to Allah, the world loses its grip on us. We become immune to its temptations and are not swayed by its materialistic pursuits. This detachment allows us to navigate the challenges and trials of this life with ease, as our hearts are anchored in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

By thinking little of this world, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and gain a deeper understanding of the true purpose of our existence. We become more conscious of our actions, seeking to please Allah rather than chasing worldly desires. This mindset leads to a life of contentment, gratitude, and inner peace, as we are not constantly chasing after the fleeting pleasures that this world offers.

Moreover, when we prioritize the Hereafter, we are motivated to engage in acts of worship and righteousness. We strive to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, seeking to leave a positive impact on the world. Our focus shifts from accumulating wealth and status to seeking knowledge, performing acts of charity, and spreading goodness in society. This mindset not only benefits us individually but also has far-reaching consequences for the betterment of our communities and the world at large.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By thinking little of this world and detaching ourselves from its materialistic allurements, we gain a deeper understanding of our purpose and find true contentment. This mindset motivates us to engage in acts of worship, righteousness, and service to humanity, ultimately leading to personal growth and positive societal impact. May Allah grant us the wisdom to prioritize the Hereafter and guide us on the path of righteousness.