Hadith #3619

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true nature of this worldly life. He describes it as "inverted" and "reversed," indicating that its reality is the opposite of what it appears to be. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the pleasures of this world are actually causes of embitterment, and its gifts bring distress. Its life is filled with pain, and its continuity ultimately leads to annihilation.

To understand the meaning behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary and deceptive nature of this worldly life. For example, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah 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.

This ayah emphasizes that the attractions and adornments of this world are merely temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately they fade away, leaving us empty and disillusioned. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah states,

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.

Here, Allah reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be given in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as the "enjoyment of delusion," emphasizing its transient and illusory nature. It is a test and a means for us to strive for the eternal abode of Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) description of this world as running away from its seeker and causing its rider to fall reflects the unpredictable and treacherous nature of worldly pursuits. We often find ourselves chasing after worldly desires, thinking that they will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, more often than not, these pursuits lead to disappointment and downfall. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23),

That is because you took the verses of Allah in ridicule, and worldly life deluded you.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that this world betrays those who trust in it and disturbs those who are content with it. This highlights the inherent instability and uncertainty of worldly affairs. We may put our trust in material possessions, wealth, or worldly relationships, only to be let down and betrayed. Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Imran (3:196),

Do not be deceived by the [uninhibited] movement of the disbelievers throughout the land.

The accumulation and attachment to worldly possessions and desires ultimately leads to separation and severance. This is a profound reminder that our attachment to this world should not overshadow our ultimate goal of seeking closeness to Allah and preparing for the Hereafter. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:38),

O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound insight into the true nature of this worldly life. It serves as a reminder that the attractions and pleasures of this world are temporary and deceptive. We should not be deceived by its allurements and instead focus on preparing for the eternal abode of the Hereafter. May Allah guide us to seek His pleasure and grant us the wisdom to navigate through the challenges of this world.