The Battle of Jamal Through the Lens of the Qur’an: Preferring the World Over the Hereafter

Introduction

On the 10^th of Jumada al-Awwal, we remember the Battle of Jamal – a painful moment in early Islamic history. One of its deepest causes was the worldly ambition and thirst for power among some companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Their desire for status led them to rebel against Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), resulting in great division and loss.

On this occasion, we reflect upon a verse from the Qur’an that warns against preferring worldly gain over eternal truth and righteousness:

الَّذِينَ يَسْتَحِبُّونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا عَلَى الْآخِرَةِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا أُولَئِكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ بَعِيدٍ

“Those who prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter, who turn others away from the path of Allah and seek to make it crooked – they are far astray.” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:3)

Educational lessons from the verse for teens

1. Use Two Lenses for Every Action

Before doing anything, examine it through two lenses: How does this affect my life in this world? and how does it affect my life in the Hereafter? – and always give priority to the second.

Practical Challenge: When you face a decision this week, write down both its worldly and spiritual consequences; and choose the one that pleases Allah more.

2. Your Example Shapes Others

Be aware that your wrong actions can encourage others to follow the same path, making you part of “those who turn others away from the path of Allah.”

Practical Challenge: Reflect each night: Did my behaviour today inspire someone towards good or towards harm? And correct it the next day if needed.

3. Define Success Beyond Wealth

True success is not in possessions but in faith, pleasing Allah, and character.

Practical Challenge: Reflect this week on what “success” means to you. Does it lead you closer to Allah or further away?

4. Resist the Glamour of Temporary Pleasure

Worldly attractions are short-lived; real joy comes from inner peace and faith.

Practical Challenge: Spend a day without social media and observe how it affects your thoughts and mood.

5. Stay True When Tempted by Peers

Peer pressure often pulls youth towards shallow goals. Stay firm in truth even when it costs popularity.

Practical Challenge: Say “no” once this week to something wrong or wasteful, even if everyone else says “yes.”

6. Make the Hereafter Your Compass

Let every choice point toward eternity, not just the moment.

Practical Challenge: Before a major decision, ask yourself: “How will this look in the sight of Allah?”

Educational lessons from the verse for parents

1. Raise Children with Eternal Vision

Teach that life’s value lies in deeds, not possessions.

Practical Challenge: Replace one material reward with a spiritual one – like family prayer or charity together.

2. Guide Without Worldly Comparison

Avoid comparing your children’s success by income or status; measure by faith and being close to Allah.

Practical Challenge: Praise your child for an act of honesty, not just for grades or achievements.

3. Protect Family from Material Pressure

Resist social competition and show that happiness is not in luxury.

Practical Challenge: Spend one evening without shopping or screens, sharing stories of faith instead.

4. Connect Daily Life to the Hereafter

Turn ordinary family moments into reminders of divine accountability.

Practical Challenge: End each day by asking together, “What did we do today for our Akhirah?”

Educational lessons from the verse for Imams and religious leaders

1. Teach the Dangers of Worldly Attachment

Remind the community that materialism erodes faith and unity.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one sermon this month to the moral harm of greed and the beauty of contentment.

2. Counter the Culture of Superficiality

Offer guidance that addresses real social media and consumerism challenges.

Practical Challenge: Create short online reflections connecting Qur’anic verses to modern lifestyles.