Hadith #4067

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to be mindful of our religion and not to be negligent or heedless of it. The word (ghafilan) "غافِلاً" used in the Hadith refers to being unaware or inattentive. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against being negligent of our religion, as it is the foundation of our lives and the source of guidance and salvation.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious and not overly eager for the worldly affairs. The word (harisan) "حَريصاً" used in the Hadith means being excessively desirous or greedy. This excessive attachment to the material world can lead us astray and divert our attention from the true purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the importance of prioritizing that which will last for us in the long term. He urges us to seek more of that which will benefit us in the Hereafter, rather than chasing after temporary worldly gains. The phrase (mustakthiran mimmā lā yabqā ʿalayka)

مُسْتَكْثِراً مِمّا لا يَبْقى عَلَيْكَ

emphasizes the futility of accumulating wealth and possessions that will not remain with us after death.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18):

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to consider the consequences of our choices in the Hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 serves as a reminder that the true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform in this world. Material possessions and worldly achievements may bring temporary pleasure, but it is the righteous actions that will bring us eternal rewards.

Reflecting on the profound advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we realize the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our religious obligations. It is not wrong to seek success and prosperity in this world, but we must not let it consume us to the extent that we neglect our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that being excessively attached to the material world can lead to severe chastisement in the Hereafter. This chastisement is not a form of punishment inflicted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) out of cruelty, but rather a consequence of our own choices and actions. By neglecting our religion and prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual development, we distance ourselves from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their religion and not to be overly attached to the transient pleasures of this world. It urges us to prioritize our eternal life and to seek that which will benefit us in the Hereafter. By striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations, we can lead a fulfilling and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing our place in the everlasting abode of Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to be successful in both this world and the Hereafter.