SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Regarding the relation between some people and the world, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said: They are the slaves and worshippers of money [1]. Imam Hussain (AS) in his first sermon in Karbala said: The people are the slaves of the world and worship it [2]. These words indicate that how far the relation between human being and the material things can go. Perhaps some people may say: Not all people are like this, meaning there are people who are not slaves of the world.
It is narrated that Imam Sadeq (AS) told Ishaq ibn Qaleb: O, Eshaq; how many people do you think will be included in the description of Ayah 58 of Surah Al-Tawbah? The Ayah said: If you give them money and the world, they will be satisfied with you but if you do not do that, they will be your enemies and will stay away from you. In another words if you chant the slogan of the world, they will follow you otherwise they will be your enemies. Eshaq said: I did not say anything and remained silent. Imam Sadeq (AS) said: More than two thirds of the people are those whose hearts are filled with the love of the world [3].
[1] Beharul Anwaar, Vol. 76, Page 78
[2] As above, Vol. 44, Page 382
[3] As above, Vol. 70, Page 124.
Explanations by: Ayatollah Sheikh Mojtaba Tehrani