Hadith #3648

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the nature of this world and the different perspectives that people have towards it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

Indeed this world is the limit of the sight of the blind person who sees nothing that is beyond it.

Here, the term "blind person" refers to those who are spiritually blind, lacking insight and understanding. They are unable to perceive the true reality of this world and its transient nature. They are engrossed in the materialistic aspects of life, oblivious to the spiritual realm that lies beyond.

To support this understanding, we find a parallel in the Quranic verse in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse highlights the limitation of human vision in comprehending the divine reality. Similarly, the blind person in the Hadith is unable to see beyond the worldly realm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the blind person with the one endowed with insight, stating,

while the one endowed with insight sees through it and knows that there is an abode beyond it.

The term "endowed with insight" refers to those who possess spiritual discernment and understanding. They are able to see through the superficiality of this world and recognize its temporary nature. They understand that there is a higher purpose and a permanent abode awaiting them.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains the contrasting desires of the discerning one and the blind one towards this world. He states,

Thus the discerning one wishes to depart from it while the blind one wishes to remain in it; the discerning one takes provisions from it while the blind one accumulates provisions in it.

The discerning one, aware of the temporary nature of this world, seeks to detach themselves from its allurements and focus on preparing for the eternal life to come. They view this world as a means to attain provisions for the hereafter, such as good deeds and spiritual growth.

On the other hand, the blind one, engrossed in worldly pursuits, becomes attached to the transient pleasures and accumulates material possessions without considering the consequences. This is reminiscent of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where 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...

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the true nature of this world. It urges us to develop spiritual insight and discernment, recognizing the temporary nature of worldly pursuits. We are encouraged to prioritize our preparations for the eternal abode and to utilize this world as a means to attain provisions for the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate through this world with insight and righteousness.