Hadith #3781

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

صِحَّةُ الدُنيا أسْقامٌ، ولَذّاتُها آلامٌ۔

This translates to,

The health of this world is [fraught with] sicknesses and its pleasures are [fraught with] pains.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (sihhatu) "صِحَّةُ" refers to the well-being or health of something. In this context, it signifies the condition of the worldly life. The word (asqaamun) "أسْقامٌ" means sicknesses or ailments, indicating the inherent flaws and imperfections of worldly existence. Similarly, the word (ladhdhatuha) "لَذّاتُها" refers to the pleasures or delights of this world, while (aalamun) "آلامٌ" signifies pains or sufferings.

This Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inherent flaws within them. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly pleasures alone can lead to disappointment and suffering. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran:

(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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. It cautions us against becoming too attached to the temporary joys of this world, as they can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and distract us from our ultimate purpose.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us that the pursuit of worldly pleasures can often lead to pain and suffering:

(Quran 42:20-21)

Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share. Or have they other deities who have ordained for them a religion to which Allah has not consented? But if not for the decisive word, it would have been concluded between them. And indeed, the wrongdoers will have a painful punishment.

This verse highlights the consequences of prioritizing worldly pleasures over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It warns that those who solely seek worldly gains will face a painful punishment in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between the pursuit of worldly needs and the pursuit of spiritual growth. While it is natural to seek comfort and pleasure in this life, we must not lose sight of our ultimate goal, which is to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal Hereafter.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the true value of worldly pleasures. It reminds us that true fulfillment lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, we can find true contentment and peace.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of this world. May we always remember that the health of this world is filled with sicknesses and its pleasures are filled with pains, and may we strive for the everlasting joy and tranquility of the Hereafter.