Hadith #3932

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) states,

لا يَسْتَفِزُّ خُدَعُ الدُّنيا العالِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

The deceptions of this world do not excite the learned.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying . The word (istafizz) "استفز" in Arabic means to provoke, incite, or excite. It implies a sense of agitation or disturbance caused by external factors. The word (khudaa) "خدع" refers to the deceptions or tricks of this worldly life. And the word (al-'alim) "العالم" signifies the learned or knowledgeable person.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a significant characteristic of a true scholar. He states that the deceptions and allurements of this worldly life do not provoke or excite a person who possesses true knowledge. This statement emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its ability to shield one from the distractions and temptations of this materialistic world.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), 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 - 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 reminds us that the attractions and deceptions of this worldly life are temporary and fleeting. They may appear enticing and captivating, but they hold no lasting value. The true scholar, who has delved deep into the ocean of knowledge, understands the transient nature of worldly possessions and is not swayed by their allure.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where 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 compensation for our actions will be given in the hereafter. The pleasures and deceptions of this world are merely illusory and temporary. The learned individual, who is aware of this reality, remains focused on the eternal rewards of the hereafter and does not allow the transitory nature of worldly possessions to distract them from their ultimate goal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that true knowledge acts as a shield against the deceptions of this world. The learned individual recognizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and remains steadfast in their pursuit of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are not enticed or agitated by the materialistic pursuits that often distract others from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge in protecting oneself from the deceptions and allurements of this worldly life. By understanding the transient nature of material possessions and focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter, the learned individual remains steadfast in their pursuit of spiritual growth. May we all strive to acquire true knowledge and seek refuge in it from the distractions of this world.