Hadith #9496

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he raises a thought-provoking question, expressing his concern and observation about the state of the Muslim ummah. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its deep meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by saying,

Why is it that I see you as bodies without souls?

This metaphorical expression highlights a spiritual emptiness within the Muslim community. It suggests that although people may physically exist, their souls are devoid of true faith and spirituality. They may be going through the motions of religious practices, but their hearts are disconnected from the essence of Islam.

To support this understanding, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46),

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a living and awakened heart that comprehends the truth and seeks closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that mere physical existence is not enough; rather, it is the state of our hearts that truly matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

and souls without prosperity.

Here, he highlights the lack of prosperity and success in the lives of individuals whose souls are disconnected from righteousness and piety. These individuals may possess material wealth and worldly achievements, but their souls remain impoverished and deprived of true prosperity.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32) provides insight into this aspect, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life but exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus, do We detail the verses for a people who know.

This verse reminds us that true prosperity lies not in material possessions alone, but in the blessings and provisions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. It is the combination of faith, righteousness, and gratitude that brings about true prosperity in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

and devotees without righteousness.

This part of the Hadith highlights the presence of individuals who may claim devotion to Allah, but their actions and conduct do not align with the principles of righteousness and moral uprightness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true devotion to Allah is not merely a matter of outward rituals, but it encompasses a comprehensive commitment to faith, good deeds, and moral conduct. It is the combination of belief, worship, and righteous actions that defines true devotion.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

and traders without profits.

This phrase metaphorically refers to individuals who engage in worldly pursuits and endeavors but fail to achieve any meaningful or lasting benefits. These individuals may be involved in various trades and occupations, but their efforts do not yield fruitful outcomes in terms of spiritual growth or eternal rewards.

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

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 while worldly pursuits and material gains may provide temporary satisfaction, it is the enduring good deeds and righteous actions that hold true value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). True profit lies in investing our time, efforts, and resources in actions that bring us closer to Allah and benefit us in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the state of their hearts, the prosperity of their souls, the righteousness of their actions, and the true profits they seek in this world and the hereafter. It calls upon us to prioritize our spiritual growth, align our actions with the principles of righteousness, and seek eternal rewards rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of true faith, righteousness, and prosperity.