Hadith #3852

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ عَرَفَ الدُّنيا تَزَهَّدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who knows [the reality of] this world, renounces it.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of this worldly life and the need to detach oneself from its allurements.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to know or recognize. It implies a deep understanding and awareness of the true nature of something. In this context, it refers to recognizing the reality of this world, its temporary nature, and the fleeting nature of its pleasures and possessions.

The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life, encompassing everything that is transient and perishable. It includes material possessions, wealth, status, and all the distractions that can divert one from the path of righteousness. It is important to note that the term "ad-dunya" does not inherently imply evil or sinfulness. Rather, it emphasizes the temporary nature of this life and the need to prioritize the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (tazahhad) "تَزَهَّدَ", which means to renounce or detach oneself from the worldly attachments and desires. It is a call to prioritize the spiritual and moral aspects of life over the materialistic pursuits. This renunciation does not mean complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities, but rather a detachment from the love and obsession with worldly possessions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it withers and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter, there is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This ayah emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the deceptive allure of material possessions. It reminds us that the true purpose of life is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life to come. The recognition of this reality leads to a detachment from worldly distractions and a focus on the spiritual growth and moral development.

Another ayah that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Taghabun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 64:15)

Know that your wealth and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This ayah reminds us that our worldly possessions and relationships are tests from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are means through which we are tested in our faith, gratitude, and generosity. Understanding this reality helps us detach ourselves from the love of wealth and the distractions of worldly desires, enabling us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the true nature of this world and to prioritize the eternal life over temporary pleasures. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the love of material possessions and to focus on spiritual growth, moral development, and the pursuit of the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing the transient nature of this world, we can free ourselves from its allurements and strive for a higher purpose in life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the reality of this world and the strength to detach ourselves from its distractions. May He guide us to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and the eternal life to come. Ameen.