Hadith #3663

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,

لاتَرْفَعْ مَنْ رَفَعَتْهُ الدُّنيا۔

This can be translated as,

Do not elevate the one who has been elevated by this world.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against giving undue importance and honor to those who have gained worldly success and recognition.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The word (rafa'athu) "رَفَعَتْهُ" comes from the root word (rafa'a) "رَفَعَ", which means to elevate or raise. It refers to the elevation of someone's status or position in society. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the material world and all its temporary pleasures and attractions.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly success and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45),

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This ayah highlights the transient nature of worldly achievements and how they eventually fade away. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, worldly success may bring temporary fame, wealth, and power. However, just like the vegetation that withers and scatters, these worldly gains are impermanent and will eventually disappear.

Another ayah that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), where Allah says,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and adornments of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are meant to be enjoyed within the boundaries set by Allah, but our ultimate focus should be on what is with Allah, which is better and everlasting.

Now, let us delve into the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. He advises us not to elevate or give excessive importance to those who have gained worldly success. This is because such success is often based on material wealth, power, or fame, which are transient and can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness.

When we elevate those who have been elevated by the world, we inadvertently contribute to the reinforcement of their worldly status. This can lead to a society that values material wealth and worldly achievements above spiritual and moral values. It can create an environment where people are judged solely based on their worldly success, rather than their character, knowledge, or piety.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the dangers of prioritizing worldly success over spiritual growth. He reminds us that true elevation lies in the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah. It is the elevation of the soul, not the elevation of worldly status, that truly matters.

By not elevating those who have been elevated by this world, we are reminded to focus on the qualities that truly matter in the sight of Allah. We should value individuals based on their piety, knowledge, and moral character, rather than their worldly achievements. This encourages a society that values humility, justice, and compassion, rather than materialistic pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah over worldly success. It teaches us not to give excessive importance to those who have gained worldly recognition, as their achievements are temporary and can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. May Allah guide us to seek true elevation and success in the pursuit of knowledge and righteousness.