Hadith #3878

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

One who humbles himself for the children of this world takes off the garment of piety.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between worldly affairs and spiritual devotion. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (tazallal) "تَذَلَّلَ" refers to humbling oneself or lowering one's status. It implies willingly subjugating oneself to the desires and demands of worldly individuals, compromising one's principles and values for their sake. This act of humility is contrasted with the concept of (labinai ad-dunya) "لاِبْناءِ الدُّنيا", which refers to the people of this world who are solely focused on material gains and worldly pursuits.

The phrase (ta'arra min libasit taqwa)

تَعَرّى مِنْ لِباسِ التَّقوى

translates to

takes off the garment of piety.

Here, the word (ta'arra) "تَعَرّى" means to strip off or remove, while (libasit taqwa) "لِباسِ التَّقوى" refers to the garment of piety or righteousness. This phrase symbolizes the abandonment of spiritual virtues and moral values when one becomes consumed by worldly desires.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals who are dedicated to the worship of Allah. By associating with such people, one is reminded of the true purpose of life and is encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following the desires of those who are engrossed in worldly matters:

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and relying on His support rather than being influenced by the materialistic mindset of the world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. While it is necessary to fulfill our duties in this world, we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by its temptations and distractions. By prioritizing our piety and righteousness, we can maintain a strong connection with Allah and ensure that our actions are in accordance with His teachings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in this Hadith. He understood the dangers of becoming too attached to worldly matters and recognized the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. By humbling oneself for the sake of worldly gains, one risks losing sight of their true purpose in life and compromising their moral values.

The consequences of neglecting piety in favor of worldly pursuits are severe. It can lead to a loss of spiritual connection, a decline in moral values, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. Such individuals may become engrossed in materialistic desires, neglecting their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. Ultimately, they may find themselves distant from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly affairs and their spiritual devotion. It warns against compromising one's piety and righteousness for the sake of worldly gains. By prioritizing our connection with Allah and upholding our moral values, we can navigate the challenges of this world while remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah guide us all and enable us to maintain a balanced and righteous lifestyle.