Hadith #3879

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of fixating our gaze solely on the materialistic aspects of this world. The words used in this Hadith hold significant meanings that require deeper understanding.

The word (nazarah) "نَظَرَهُ" refers to fixing one's gaze or focusing one's attention. It implies a deliberate act of choosing what to look at and pay attention to. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against directing our gaze solely towards the (abna' ad-dunya) "أبْناءِ الدُّنيا", which translates to the children or offspring of this world. This phrase symbolizes the worldly possessions, desires, and distractions that divert us from the path of guidance.

To understand the significance of this warning, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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 ayah highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and desires. They are merely temporary distractions that can lead us astray from the path of guidance. The fixation on materialistic pursuits can blind us from the true purpose of our existence and hinder our spiritual growth.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal and everlasting. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, worldly possessions may seem attractive and fulfilling in the short term. However, they eventually wither away, leaving us empty and unfulfilled.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and the path of guidance over the temporary allure of worldly possessions. By fixating our gaze solely on materialistic pursuits, we risk losing sight of our true purpose in this world and the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of neglecting the path of guidance can manifest in various ways. One may become engrossed in accumulating wealth, status, and power, neglecting their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This fixation on worldly pursuits can lead to arrogance, greed, and a disregard for moral values and ethical principles.

Moreover, when our focus is solely on the material aspects of this world, we become disconnected from our spiritual selves. We may find ourselves lacking contentment, inner peace, and a sense of purpose. Our hearts become hardened, and we may lose sight of the beauty and blessings that surround us.

In contrast, when we prioritize the path of guidance and seek closeness to Allah, our perspective on worldly possessions changes. We recognize them as blessings from Allah to be used in His obedience and for the betterment of society. Our focus shifts towards the eternal rewards and the pleasure of Allah, rather than the temporary gratification of worldly desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thoughtful words in this Hadith serve as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of life. While it is essential to fulfill our worldly responsibilities, it is equally important to nurture our souls, seek knowledge, and engage in acts of worship and service to others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against fixating our gaze solely on the materialistic aspects of this world. By prioritizing worldly possessions and desires, we risk losing sight of the path of guidance and the purpose of our existence. It is crucial for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual growth, seeking closeness to Allah and prioritizing the eternal over the temporary. May Allah guide us all on the path of guidance and grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of this world.