Hadith #3842

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the futility of striving solely for worldly gains and neglecting one's obligations towards Allah. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The word (himmatuhu) "هِمَّتُهُ" refers to one's aspiration, intention, or effort. It signifies the driving force behind our actions and the direction in which we channel our energy. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that if our aspirations are solely focused on worldly pursuits, then our efforts will be in vain.

The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic realm that encompasses our worldly desires, possessions, and ambitions. It encompasses everything that is transient and perishable, in contrast to the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who strive only for the world, without considering their obligations towards Allah, will not earn any recompense for their efforts. This means that their worldly pursuits will not bring them true fulfillment or lasting rewards. The pursuit of material wealth, status, and pleasure may provide temporary satisfaction, but it will not bring about true contentment and spiritual growth.

To support this profound statement, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions:

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 highlights that while worldly possessions may seem attractive and desirable, they are merely temporary adornments. True rewards lie in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against being deceived by the allure of worldly gains:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. We should not neglect our worldly duties, but we must always prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that those who strive solely for the world also fail to fulfill their obligations. This refers to neglecting the religious duties and responsibilities that Allah has ordained upon us. By prioritizing worldly pursuits, individuals may become negligent in their prayers, charity, fasting, and other acts of worship. They may disregard their moral obligations towards others and fail to uphold justice and righteousness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) defines the characteristics of a true believer:

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 the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. True righteousness lies in balancing our worldly pursuits with acts of worship, charity, and fulfilling our responsibilities.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our aspirations and efforts with the teachings of Islam. We should strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and seeking His pleasure. May Allah guide us to prioritize our spiritual growth and grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our obligations as Muslims.