Hadith #212

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights several important aspects of our relationship with the world and our attitude towards it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that one who is sorrowful for this world is, in fact, displeased with the dispensation of Allah. This implies that being excessively attached to worldly matters and constantly yearning for its pleasures reflects a lack of contentment with the divine decree. It is important to note that this does not mean we should not strive for success or fulfill our worldly responsibilities. Rather, it emphasizes the need to maintain a balanced perspective and prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah.

The Quran supports this notion in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is transient and filled with distractions that can divert us from our ultimate purpose of seeking Allah's pleasure and attaining eternal success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that one who complains about a calamity that befalls them is, in reality, complaining about their Lord (Allah). This highlights the importance of accepting and embracing the trials and tribulations that come our way, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and spiritual elevation. The Quran echoes this sentiment in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns against approaching a rich person and bending before them solely because of their wealth. Such behavior is indicative of a misplaced priority and a deviation from the true essence of faith. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that two-thirds of one's religion is lost in this act. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and recognizing that true worth lies in piety and righteousness, not material possessions.

The Quran emphasizes the insignificance of worldly wealth in Surah At-Tawbah (9:55), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let not their wealth and their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then addresses the consequences of a person who reads the Quran but ends up in Hell. This serves as a stark reminder that merely reciting the Quran without understanding and implementing its teachings is futile. It is essential to approach the Quran with reverence, seeking guidance and enlightenment from its verses. The Quran itself warns against treating its verses with mockery or negligence in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:231), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them].

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions that if a person's heart becomes attached to the world, it catches three things: worry, greed, and unfulfilled desires. This serves as a cautionary reminder of the detrimental effects of excessive attachment to worldly pursuits. Such attachments can lead to perpetual worry, insatiable greed, and unfulfilled desires, which ultimately hinder our spiritual growth and distance us from Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from worldly desires in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective towards the world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth, accept the trials and tribulations that come our way, and detach ourselves from excessive attachment to worldly pursuits. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings and seek His pleasure above all else.