Hadith #10553

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever sells his soul for other than the bliss of Paradise has indeed oppressed it.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing eternal happiness over temporary worldly gains.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ba'a) "باعَ" means to sell or trade, while (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's soul or self. (ghayri) "غَيْرِ" means other than, and (na'eem) "نَعِيمِ" signifies the bliss or blessings. Finally, (al-jannah) "الجَنَّةِ" refers to Paradise.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 201,

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse emphasizes the danger of prioritizing worldly desires over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Those who focus solely on worldly gains without considering the consequences in the Hereafter are indeed oppressing their souls.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 46, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are the 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 reminds us that material possessions and worldly achievements may seem appealing, but they pale in comparison to the everlasting rewards of good deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly gains at the expense of our spiritual well-being is a grave injustice to our own souls. By prioritizing temporary pleasures over the eternal bliss of Paradise, we are essentially selling our souls short and oppressing them.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions. Are we seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of Paradise, or are we chasing after worldly desires that hold no value in the Hereafter? It urges us to evaluate our priorities and make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal bliss of Paradise.

Let us take a moment to ponder the consequences of prioritizing worldly gains over the Hereafter. By neglecting our spiritual growth and focusing solely on materialistic pursuits, we risk losing the opportunity to attain the eternal blessings of Paradise. Our souls, which are meant to be nourished and elevated through righteous deeds, are oppressed and deprived of their true purpose.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reevaluate their priorities and strive for the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. It reminds us to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and prioritize the development of our souls. By doing so, we can ensure that we do not oppress our souls by selling them short for the fleeting pleasures of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to prioritize the eternal bliss of Paradise over worldly gains and protect us from oppressing our own souls. May we constantly strive to seek His pleasure and engage in actions that will elevate our souls in this life and the Hereafter.