Undoubtedly, we have all visited various markets countless times and, at least once, experienced economic transactions. It is quite possible that in these markets we have engaged in buying and selling. Naturally, there have been times when we made a profit and other times when we incurred a loss. Even if we have not engaged in such economic activities, we have certainly heard of the profits and losses of various individuals. Indeed, this is the nature of markets — some make profits while others suffer losses. However, whether we are market-goers or not, all of us are living and trading in a much larger market.
Imam Hadi (peace be upon him), in a brief statement, draws attention to this truth and says: “The world is a market where some have gained profit and others have incurred loss”[1].
In this context, a quick glance at the verses of the Qur’an confirms the fundamental point that the world is a market, and all people offer their time, effort, and abilities in it. The sale of goods in this market is compulsory.
On the other hand, Amir al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him) says: “Every breath of a person is a step toward death”[2]. Thus, a person inevitably loses the capital of their life every moment, and they cannot prevent the passing of their time and abilities. Whether we like it or not, our energy and time slip away. Therefore, what matters in this market is choosing the right buyer.
Some trade with God and offer everything they have on the plate of sincerity, walking in His path and for His pleasure. These individuals exchange their transient life for the eternal paradise and divine approval. These are the true winners for the following reasons:
First Reason: Their buyer is God, the owner of all existence[3].
Second Reason: God buys even the smallest of actions, as He says, “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it”[4].
Third Reason: God buys good deeds at a very high price because His price is eternal paradise[5].
Fourth Reason: If one strives to do good but is unable to act, God still rewards them, as the reward is based on effort and intention, not the outcome [6].
Fifth Reason: God multiplies the reward many times over [7]. As the Qur’an says, He gives up to seven hundred times the reward, and the reward for good charity is like a seed that produces seven ears, and in each ear, there are a hundred grains [8].
On the other hand, those who sell their lives for their desires or the desires of others, without seeking God’s pleasure, have made a grave loss. The Qur’an describes them as follows:
They have made a bad trade and sold themselves for something worthless, purchasing God’s wrath in return [9].
Their trade yields no profit [10]; they have incurred a loss [11] (in fact, a clear loss) [12].
Certainly, in this market and in these conditions, one must be sharp. In some views, a sharp person is someone who can make a good material profit for themselves through any means, whether truthful or false, and gain fame, popularity, or position in society. Otherwise, these individuals may label you as a loser, backward, or miserable. However, in Islamic culture, a sharp person is one who holds themselves accountable, doesn’t let their soul go unchecked, works for eternal life, and strives to improve each day over the last. They are not heedless of death and, instead of indulging in idleness, greed, or injustice, they engage in the real trade of acquiring piety, contentment, and justice.
Indeed, “the world is a market where some have gained profit and others have incurred loss.” It would be wise, at this point in our lives, to revisit the words of Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) in the light of the Qur’an, and for once, as those in the market do when balancing their accounts, to assess our lives and determine whether we have profited or suffered loss in this marketplace of the world.
(Adapted from the book “A Ray of Light,” authored by: “Hujjat al-Islam Mohsen Qara’ati” (with modifications and additions))
The Leader of the People of Piety and the Proof of God’s Servants [13].
Footnotes:
[1] Tuhaf al-Uqul, page 483
[2] Nahj al-Balagha, page 480, Wisdom 74
[3] Surah Ta-Ha, verse 6
[4] Surah Az-Zalzalah, verse 7
[5] Surah Aal-e-Imran, verse 15
[6] Surah An-Najm, verse 39
[7] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 245
[8] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261
[9] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 90
[10] Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 16
[11] Surah Hud, verse 21
[12] Surah An-Nisa, verse 119
[13] Mafatih al-Jinan, part of the Salawat for Imam Hadi (peace be upon him)