Hadith #3900

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مازادَ فِي الدُّنيا نَقَصَ فِي الآخِرَةِ۔

This translates to,

That which [one] increases in this world, [he] diminishes in the Hereafter.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us explore the key words and their meanings. The word (mazada) "مازادَ" refers to an increase or growth, while (naqasa) "نَقَصَ" means a decrease or reduction. (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world we live in, and (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life after death.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 material wealth and worldly achievements are merely temporary adornments, while good deeds and righteousness are the true measures of success in the sight of Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate futility of accumulating wealth and possessions without considering the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our choices in this world and the Hereafter. While it is not inherently wrong to seek success and prosperity in this life, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth and preparation for the eternal life to come.

For example, if one spends all their time and energy accumulating wealth and material possessions, they may neglect their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This neglect can result in a diminished reward in the Hereafter, as they have not invested in acts of worship, charity, and kindness that have lasting value in the sight of Allah.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach to life. It does not discourage seeking worldly success or enjoying the blessings of this life, but rather emphasizes the need to prioritize our actions and intentions. By seeking the pleasure of Allah in all aspects of our lives, we can ensure that our worldly pursuits do not come at the expense of our spiritual growth and our ultimate success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing our actions and intentions. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of this world and the eternal value of good deeds and righteousness. By understanding and internalizing this Hadith, Muslims can strive for a balanced approach to life, seeking success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in both worlds.