Hadith #3837

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 righteous companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of not prioritizing worldly gains over the eternal rewards that await us with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the key words and concepts in this hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (trade) "مَتْجَرُ" refers to a transaction or exchange, where goods or services are exchanged for something of value. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses it metaphorically to emphasize that our approach to this world should not be like a trade, where we prioritize our own desires and material gains above our spiritual well-being and the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (to consider this world to be a price for your soul)

تَرَىَ الدُّنيا لِنَفْسِكَ ثَمَناً

implies that some individuals view worldly possessions, wealth, and status as the ultimate goal in life. They prioritize their own desires and material gains above their spiritual well-being and the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This mindset leads to a distorted perspective, where the temporary pleasures of this world are valued more than the eternal rewards in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts this mindset by stating, (and a substitute to that which is for you with Allah)

وَمِمَّا لَكَ عِندَ اللّهِ عِوَضاً

Here, he reminds us that the true value lies in the rewards that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised for those who prioritize their faith and good deeds over worldly gains. These rewards are far greater and everlasting compared to the fleeting pleasures of this world.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced approach that Muslims should adopt. It is not wrong to seek goodness in this world, but it should not be at the expense of neglecting our spiritual well-being and the rewards of the Hereafter. We should strive for success in both realms, seeking the blessings of this world while keeping our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in mind.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 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 worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary adornments of this life. While they may bring temporary pleasure and comfort, they cannot compare to the everlasting rewards that await those who prioritize their faith and good deeds. The enduring good deeds, such as acts of worship, kindness, and charity, are what truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on this world. We should not become so engrossed in worldly pursuits that we lose sight of our ultimate purpose and the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead, we should strive to strike a balance between seeking goodness in this world and prioritizing our spiritual well-being.

By aligning our intentions and actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can ensure that our trade in this world is one that leads to eternal success and fulfillment in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our faith and good deeds over worldly gains.