Hadith #4621

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not renounce [the pleasures of] this world will not have a share in the Garden of the Abode.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly desires and the pursuit of material possessions. To fully understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of key words in the Hadith.

The word (يَزْهَدْ) "yazhad" in Arabic means to renounce or detach oneself from something. It implies a deliberate choice to abstain from the allurements and temptations of this worldly life. It is a call to prioritize the spiritual and eternal aspects of existence over the transient and fleeting pleasures of this world.

The term (الدُّنيا) "dunya" refers to the material world, the earthly life that we experience. It encompasses all the possessions, wealth, and pleasures that we encounter in our daily lives. While the world itself is not inherently evil, it is the attachment to it and the obsession with its temporary pleasures that can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

The phrase (جَنَّةِ المَأوى) "jannat al-ma'wa" translates to the

Garden of the Abode

or the

Paradise of the Hereafter.

It refers to the eternal abode of bliss and tranquility that awaits the righteous believers in the afterlife. It is the ultimate reward promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to those who strive to live a life of piety and righteousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 200:

So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and seeking His pleasure above all else. It cautions against those who prioritize worldly gains and desires over the spiritual realm. Such individuals may attain temporary pleasures in this world but will be deprived of any share in the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that the true value lies in the everlasting good deeds that we accumulate in this world. Material possessions and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments, while the righteous actions and deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah are what truly matter in the sight of our Lord.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that renouncing the pleasures of this world is not a call for asceticism or complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities. Rather, it is a reminder to prioritize our spiritual growth, to detach ourselves from excessive attachment to material possessions, and to use the blessings bestowed upon us in this world for the betterment of our Hereafter.

By renouncing the worldly desires, we free ourselves from the distractions that hinder our spiritual progress. We become more focused on fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. This detachment allows us to develop a deeper connection with our Creator and to seek His pleasure above all else.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of this detachment from worldly desires. He reminds us that true success lies not in accumulating wealth and possessions, but in striving for righteousness and seeking the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the allurements of this world and to prioritize their spiritual growth. By renouncing the excessive attachment to material possessions, we can focus on fulfilling our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. This detachment leads to a deeper connection with our Creator and the ultimate reward of Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.