Hadith #3820

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The abundance of this world is paucity, its grandeur is humiliation, its embellishments are misguiding and its gifts are a trial.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true nature of this worldly life and serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Kathratu" refers to the abundance or excessiveness of worldly possessions, while "dunya" refers to the materialistic aspects of this world. "Qillah" means scarcity or insufficiency, indicating that despite the apparent abundance, the worldly possessions hold little value in the grand scheme of things. "Izzah" denotes grandeur or honor, but in the context of this Hadith, it signifies the false sense of superiority that worldly possessions can create, leading to humiliation in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The term "zakhareefuha" refers to the embellishments or adornments of this world. These materialistic attractions often distract individuals from the path of righteousness and lead them astray. They become a means of misguidance, diverting people's attention from the true purpose of their existence. Lastly, the word "mawahib" refers to the gifts or blessings of this world. These gifts, while seemingly beneficial, can also serve as a trial for individuals. They test one's faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as people may become attached to these worldly possessions and lose sight of their ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that the material possessions and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments, while the good deeds performed for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) hold eternal value.

In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the transient nature of this life. It serves as a reminder that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life of the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that the abundance and grandeur of this world are illusory and temporary. They can lead to arrogance, distraction, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. The gifts and blessings of this world should be seen as tests from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is our duty as Muslims to utilize them in a way that pleases Him and benefits our souls in the hereafter.

Therefore, Muslims should strive to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. They should prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, good deeds, and the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the accumulation of material possessions. By doing so, they can navigate through the trials and tribulations of this world while keeping their focus on the ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal bliss of the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we prioritize the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.