Hadith #8034

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

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

الْمَغْبُونُ مَنْ باعَ جَنَّةً عَلِيَّةً بِمَعْصِيَةِ دَنِيَّة

which translates to

Deceived is the one who sells a lofty Paradise for a lowly sin.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quranic teachings. The word (maghboon) "مَغْبُونُ" refers to someone who has been deceived or cheated. It implies that the person has made a grave mistake or has been led astray by their own actions. The word (ba'a) "باعَ" means to sell, indicating that the individual willingly trades something of immense value for something insignificant. (jannatan 'aliyyah) "جَنَّةً عَلِيَّةً" refers to a lofty Paradise, a place of eternal bliss and happiness. On the other hand, (ma'siyat dunyaa) "مَعْصِيَةِ دَنِيَّة" signifies a lowly sin, a transgression committed in this temporary worldly life.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the foolishness of exchanging the everlasting joy of Paradise for the fleeting pleasures of this world.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of seeking Paradise and avoiding sins. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be given on the Day of Resurrection. Those who are saved from the torment of Hellfire and granted entry into Paradise will have achieved the ultimate success. In contrast, the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life are merely temporary and illusory.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

Wealth and children are [but] 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 attachments are merely temporary adornments in this life. They should not distract us from the pursuit of good deeds and the ultimate reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The enduring good deeds, such as acts of worship, kindness, and charity, hold far greater value in the sight of Allah and are the means to attain His pleasure and Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder to Muslims of the consequences of prioritizing temporary worldly desires over the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. It urges us to reflect upon our actions and make choices that align with the teachings of the Quran and the path of righteousness. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from being deceived and ensure that we do not trade the eternal bliss of Paradise for the fleeting pleasures of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the pursuit of Paradise and protect us from being deceived by the allurements of this temporary life. May we always strive to perform good deeds and seek His pleasure, so that we may attain the lofty Paradise promised to the righteous.