Hadith #3758

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,

The aspiration and pursuit of one whose hope and desire is [acquiring felicity in] this world, is frustrated.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the futility and disappointment that comes from solely seeking worldly pleasures and material gains.

Let us delve deeper into the important words of this Hadith. The word (khāba) "خابَ" means to be frustrated, disappointed, or to experience failure. It conveys the idea of one's hopes and expectations being shattered. (rajā'uhu) "رَجاؤُهُ" refers to one's hope or aspiration, while (maṭlabuhu) "مَطْلَبُهُ" refers to one's pursuit or desire. These words emphasize the active nature of seeking worldly pleasures and the disappointment that follows.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the importance of investing in good deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the allure of worldly desires, saying, (Quran 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 verse serves as a reminder that the pleasures of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith cautions us against becoming too attached to the materialistic pursuits of this world. When our sole focus is on acquiring wealth, status, and worldly pleasures, we are bound to experience disappointment and frustration. This is because the world is transient, and its pleasures are fleeting. We may achieve temporary satisfaction, but it will not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us to prioritize our aspirations and pursuits towards the eternal hereafter. By focusing on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), performing righteous deeds, and seeking knowledge, we can attain true felicity and success. These are the pursuits that bring everlasting rewards and blessings.

Let us reflect on the consequences of solely seeking worldly pleasures. When our primary goal is material gain, we may neglect our spiritual development, compromise our values, and harm others in the process. We may become consumed by greed, envy, and selfishness, leading to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Our relationships may suffer, and our hearts may become hardened.

In contrast, when we prioritize our pursuit of the hereafter, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). We strive to be righteous, compassionate, and just. We seek knowledge, engage in acts of charity, and cultivate strong bonds of love and brotherhood within the Muslim community. These pursuits bring about inner peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their aspirations and pursuits towards the eternal hereafter. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures and focusing on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), performing righteous deeds, and seeking knowledge, we can attain true felicity and success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.