Hadith #3666

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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the servants of the world and those who are engrossed in its affairs. He draws their attention to their preoccupation with worldly matters, such as buying and selling during the day, tossing in their beds and sleeping at night, while neglecting the remembrance of the Hereafter and delaying their good deeds. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) questions them, asking when they will reflect upon guidance, prepare for their journey to the Hereafter, and become concerned about their ultimate destiny.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The term

servants of the world

refers to those who are slaves to the materialistic aspects of this worldly life. They are consumed by their desires, chasing after wealth, status, and temporary pleasures. The phrase

those who work for it

encompasses all those individuals who are actively engaged in worldly pursuits, striving to fulfill their desires and ambitions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the actions of these individuals, emphasizing their involvement in buying and selling during the day, symbolizing their preoccupation with worldly transactions and material gains. He then mentions their restless nights, where they toss and turn in their beds, consumed by their worldly concerns. This highlights their inability to find peace and tranquility, as their minds are constantly occupied with worldly matters.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) points out that amidst their worldly engagements, these individuals remain oblivious to the Hereafter. They neglect the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fail to prioritize their spiritual growth and development. They postpone their good actions, delaying their repentance and neglecting their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings.

To emphasize the importance of reflection and preparation for the Hereafter, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) poses two thought-provoking questions. He asks when these individuals will contemplate guidance and prioritize their spiritual journey. He urges them to reflect upon their actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and lead them closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also questions when these individuals will become concerned about the affairs of the Hereafter. This highlights the need for Muslims to prioritize their eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. It serves as a reminder that our actions in this world have consequences in the Hereafter, and we must strive to lead a life that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secures our place in Jannah.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9):

The Day when He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

This verse reminds us of the importance of belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the performance of righteous deeds. It emphasizes that on the Day of Assembly, those who prioritize their faith and good actions will be rewarded with admission into the eternal gardens of Paradise. This serves as a motivation for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and strive for righteousness, rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Another relevant verse 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 worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary adornments of this life. They hold no real value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead, what truly matters are the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These good deeds hold immense reward both in this world and the Hereafter, and they serve as a means of hope and salvation for the believers.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and actions. It highlights the dangers of becoming engrossed in the materialistic aspects of this world and neglecting the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the preparation for the Hereafter. By contemplating the guidance provided in the Quran and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive for a balanced and purposeful life that leads us to success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to prioritize our eternal journey and seek His pleasure in all that we do.