Hadith #3626

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the nature of this worldly life. He uses powerful and descriptive words to convey the true essence of this transient world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

Verily this world is ungrateful and stubborn.

The Arabic word (kanood) "كَنُودُ" refers to ingratitude and unappreciativeness. This world, with all its blessings and provisions, often fails to acknowledge the favors bestowed upon it by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is ungrateful in the sense that it does not recognize the Creator and fails to fulfill its purpose of worshiping Him.

The word (anood) "عَنُودُ" means stubbornness and obstinacy. This world is stubborn in its attachment to material possessions and worldly desires, often leading people astray from the path of righteousness. It entices individuals with its temporary pleasures, making them forget the ultimate purpose of their existence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes this world as "abandoning and disavowing." The Arabic word (sadood) "صَدُودُ" refers to abandonment and forsaking. This world, with its allurements and distractions, often leads people to abandon their duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and neglect their spiritual growth. It disavows the true purpose of life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and attain eternal success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by saying, "attracting and distracting." The word (hayood) "حَيُودُ" signifies attraction and allure. This world captivates individuals with its temporary pleasures, diverting their attention from the eternal life hereafter. It distracts people from focusing on their spiritual journey and leads them towards worldly pursuits that hold no lasting value.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the ever-changing nature of this world. He states,

its condition is [constantly] changing, its calmness is shaking.

This world is characterized by its impermanence and instability. It is in a perpetual state of flux, with circumstances and situations constantly evolving. The tranquility and peace that one may find in this world are fragile and fleeting, easily disrupted by the uncertainties and trials of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains,

its honor is disgrace, its seriousness is jest.

This world often deceives individuals by presenting honor and prestige as desirable goals. However, in reality, the pursuit of worldly honor often leads to humiliation and disgrace. Similarly, the seriousness with which people engage in worldly matters is ultimately futile, as the true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

its abundance is deficiency, its height is lowliness.

The abundance and wealth that this world offers are ultimately deficient and insufficient. Material possessions and worldly achievements may provide temporary satisfaction, but they fail to fulfill the deep-rooted spiritual needs of the human soul. Similarly, the pursuit of status and power in this world only leads to a sense of lowliness and insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by describing the people of this world. He states,

its people are moving and following, reaching and departing.

The inhabitants of this world are constantly in motion, chasing after their desires and ambitions. They are driven by their worldly pursuits, always seeking more and never truly satisfied. Their lives are marked by constant movement, both physically and metaphorically, as they strive to attain worldly success and fulfill their desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes this world as

the abode of war, plunder, pillage, and destruction.

This world is a place of conflict and strife, where individuals engage in battles for power, wealth, and dominance. It is a realm where injustice and oppression prevail, leading to the plundering and pillaging of resources and the destruction of lives and communities.

In light of the Quran, this Hadith resonates with several verses that highlight the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life hereafter. It urges us to detach ourselves from the allurements and distractions of this world and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. By recognizing the true nature of this worldly life, we can navigate its challenges with wisdom and strive for a higher purpose that transcends its temporary pleasures and pitfalls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and strength to live in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).