Hadith #3579

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of detaching oneself from the materialistic pursuits of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the believers to flee from the attractions and distractions of this worldly life, and to divert their hearts away from it. He describes this world as the prison of a believer, indicating that it has the potential to confine and restrict one's spiritual growth.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (flee) "اُهْرُبُوا" signifies the urgency and importance of distancing oneself from the worldly temptations. It implies a proactive and deliberate action of escaping from the clutches of this materialistic world. The word (divert) "واصْرِفُوا" emphasizes the need to redirect our hearts and focus towards matters of the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the transient pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that this world is the prison of a believer. This metaphorical depiction highlights the potential dangers and limitations that the worldly life poses for a believer. It implies that the believer can become confined and restricted by the allurements and distractions of this world, hindering their spiritual growth and progress towards the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah.

To support the exegesis of 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 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 ayah highlights the transient nature of this worldly life. It describes the attractions and distractions that captivate our hearts and minds, such as amusement, adornment, and the pursuit of wealth and status. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that these pursuits are temporary and fleeting, like the rain that nourishes the plants but eventually dries up and turns into debris.

Another ayah that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

This ayah reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is intimately aware of our innermost thoughts and desires. He knows the temptations and distractions that can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Therefore, it is crucial for believers to divert their hearts away from the attractions of this world and focus on strengthening their connection with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the share of a believer in this world is little. This highlights the insignificance of worldly possessions and achievements in the grand scheme of things. The pursuit of material wealth and worldly success should not be the primary focus of a believer's life. Rather, their focus should be on seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for eternal success in the Hereafter.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the mind of a believer is sickened by this world. This indicates that excessive attachment to worldly matters can have a detrimental effect on one's spiritual well-being. It can cloud the mind and hinder one's ability to think clearly and make sound judgments. Therefore, it is essential for believers to maintain a balanced approach towards the materialistic aspects of life and prioritize their spiritual growth and well-being.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions that the sight of a believer is dulled in this world. This signifies that excessive preoccupation with worldly matters can blind one's perception and understanding of the true purpose of life. It can prevent believers from recognizing the signs of Allah's presence and guidance in their lives. Therefore, it is crucial for believers to detach themselves from the distractions of this world and strive to see things through the lens of faith and spirituality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world. It emphasizes the importance of diverting our hearts away from the attractions and distractions that can hinder our spiritual growth. By recognizing the transient nature of this world and prioritizing our connection with Allah, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to overcome the allurements of this world.