Hadith #4612

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 pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inner struggles and paradoxical emotions experienced by those who renounce worldly pleasures. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zahideen) "زاهِدِينَ" refers to those who renounce or abstain from worldly pleasures. They detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of life and focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These individuals prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary joys of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the state of their hearts by saying, (la tabki qulubuhum wa in dahikoo)

لَتَبْكي قُلُوبُهُمْ وإنْ ضَحِكُوا

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their hearts weep even when they laugh.

This means that despite outwardly appearing joyful or content, their hearts are constantly aware of the transitory nature of worldly pleasures. They are deeply moved by the fleeting nature of these joys and are reminded of the impermanence of this life.

The Imam further states, (wa yashtaddu huznuhum wa in farihoo)

ويَشْتَدُّ حُزْنُهُمْ وإنْ فَرِحُوا

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their sadness intensifies even when they are [apparently] happy.

This signifies that even in moments of apparent happiness, their inner sadness persists. Their awareness of the temporary nature of worldly delights and the trials and tribulations of life weigh heavily on their hearts, causing their sadness to deepen.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues, (wayakthuru maqtuhum anfusahum wa in igtubito bima otoo)

ويَكْثُرُ مَقْتُهُمْ أنْفُسَهُمْ وإنِ اغْتُبِطُوا بِما أُوتُوا

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their self-loathing increases even though they are [apparently] delighted with what they are given.

This highlights the paradoxical nature of their emotions. Despite being given blessings and gifts, they feel a sense of self-disgust and dissatisfaction with themselves. They recognize their own shortcomings and are constantly striving for self-improvement and spiritual growth.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (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 verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the transience of material possessions. It serves as a reminder that true happiness and contentment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and fulfillment await us in the Hereafter. The fleeting pleasures of this world are merely an illusion, and those who renounce them are able to see through this delusion and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the inner struggles and paradoxical emotions experienced by those who renounce worldly pleasures. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary joys of this world. By recognizing the transitory nature of worldly delights and constantly striving for spiritual growth, we can attain true contentment and prepare ourselves for the everlasting life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.