Hadith #99

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) warns Muslims about the consequences of prioritizing worldly affairs over matters of religion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that when people neglect their religious duties for the sake of worldly gains, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will inflict upon them something more harmful.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words and their implications. The word (amr dinihim) "أَمْرِ دِينِهِمْ" refers to matters or affairs related to one's religion. It encompasses acts of worship, adherence to Islamic principles, and fulfilling religious obligations. On the other hand, (istislah dunyahum) "اِسْتِصْلَاحِ دُنْيَاهُمْ" refers to seeking worldly benefits or rectifying worldly affairs.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that if people abandon or neglect their religious duties in order to prioritize their worldly affairs, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will inflict upon them something more harmful than what they sought to gain. This serves as a reminder that the consequences of neglecting one's religious obligations can have severe repercussions in both this world and the hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 85:

Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment.

This verse highlights the consequences of selectively adhering to certain aspects of the religion while neglecting others. It warns that those who abandon parts of the Book will face disgrace in this world and severe punishment in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Whoever desires the immediate, We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize immediate worldly gains over their religious obligations will be hastened towards their desires, but ultimately be destined for the punishment of Hellfire.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining a balance between their religious and worldly affairs. Neglecting one's religious duties for the sake of worldly gains may lead to temporary benefits, but the long-term consequences can be far more harmful. By prioritizing our religious obligations, we not only attain spiritual fulfillment but also ensure the protection and well-being of our worldly affairs.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and make conscious efforts to strike a balance between their religious and worldly responsibilities. It reminds us that true success lies in fulfilling our religious obligations while seeking the blessings and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our religious duties and grant us success in both this world and the hereafter. May we always seek His guidance and protection, and may He bless us with the ability to strike a harmonious balance between our worldly affairs and our devotion to Him.