Hadith #4607

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ زَهِدَ فِي الدُّنيا لَمْ تَفُتْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever renounces this world, it will not elude him.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of detachment from worldly desires and possessions.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (zahida) "زَهِدَ" means to renounce or detach oneself from something. It signifies a conscious decision to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the material world, including its wealth, status, and worldly pursuits.

To understand the significance of renouncing this world, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

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 verse reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. The pleasures and attractions of this world are merely temporary and illusory. Therefore, those who renounce the worldly distractions and focus on the eternal life will not be deceived by the fleeting nature of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 transient nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. It reminds us that the true purpose of life is to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for His approval. Those who detach themselves from the allurements of this world will not be deceived by its temporary pleasures and will instead invest in the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By renouncing the materialistic desires and attachments, we can focus on the true purpose of our existence and strive for eternal success.

When we detach ourselves from the worldly distractions, we become more aware of the transient nature of this life. We realize that our time and energy should be invested in actions that have lasting consequences. This renunciation leads to a sense of contentment and inner peace, as we are no longer chasing after the temporary pleasures that can never truly satisfy our souls.

Moreover, renouncing this world allows us to develop a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We become more mindful of our actions and intentions, seeking His pleasure in all that we do. This detachment enables us to focus on acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity, which are all avenues to draw closer to our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of renouncing the materialistic desires and attachments of this world. By prioritizing the eternal life and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true success and fulfillment. Let us reflect on the transient nature of this world and strive for the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on what truly matters.