Hadith #3923

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder to Muslims about the importance of prioritizing their religion over worldly desires and material possessions. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tamhar) "تَمْهَرِ" in Arabic refers to the act of giving one's religion as a dowry or payment in exchange for worldly gains. It implies a transaction where a person compromises their faith for the sake of worldly benefits. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against this practice, emphasizing that such a decision will ultimately lead to immense suffering and hardship.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing faith over worldly possessions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good

This verse highlights the need to spend in the way of Allah, which includes both financial contributions and dedicating oneself to the cause of Islam. It cautions against recklessly squandering one's resources and jeopardizing their faith for temporary worldly gains. By doing so, one risks falling into destruction and losing the blessings of Allah.

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

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 beautifully illustrates the transient nature of worldly possessions. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, worldly wealth and possessions may seem enticing and fulfilling at first. However, they eventually wither away and disperse like dry remnants, leaving one empty-handed in the face of the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true success lies in prioritizing our relationship with Allah and upholding our religious values. When we compromise our faith for worldly gains, we invite wretchedness, pain, hardship, and tribulation into our lives.

For instance, if a person engages in dishonest practices to accumulate wealth or compromises their moral principles for personal gain, they may initially experience temporary success and pleasure. However, this success is short-lived and often accompanied by inner turmoil, guilt, and a sense of emptiness. Moreover, the consequences of such actions can manifest in various forms, such as broken relationships, legal troubles, or loss of reputation.

On the other hand, when we prioritize our religion and uphold our faith, we are rewarded with peace, contentment, and blessings from Allah. By dedicating ourselves to acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and engaging in righteous deeds, we strengthen our connection with Allah and find solace in His guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion over worldly desires. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of materialism and ensure our spiritual well-being. Let us reflect on this profound wisdom and strive to align our actions with the teachings of the Quran, seeking the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.