Hadith #3935

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder about the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inherent instability of this temporal life. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

The delights of this world do not continue and its joys do not last.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. The Arabic word used for "delights" is (حَبْرَةُ) "ḥabrat", which refers to the transient nature of something. It implies that the pleasures of this world are temporary and short-lived. Similarly, the word used for "joys" is (سُرُورُ) "surur", which signifies a sense of happiness or contentment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that these joys are also impermanent and do not endure.

The Quran supports this notion in various verses. 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...

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights their transient nature. Similarly, 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?

The second part of the Hadith states,

And there is no security from its afflictions.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the world is not a place of absolute security or protection from hardships and trials. The Arabic word used for "security" is (تُؤْمَنُ) "tuman", which implies a state of being free from harm or danger. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that no matter how much we strive for security in this world, we cannot escape the afflictions and challenges that it presents.

The Quran also emphasizes the transient and unpredictable nature of worldly security. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that our possessions and loved ones are merely a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and they can be taken away at any moment. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reassures us that even in the face of afflictions, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will not burden us beyond our capacity to endure.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and to seek lasting joy and security in the hereafter. We should not become overly attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world, as they will inevitably fade away. Instead, we should focus on building a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the everlasting rewards of the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with a powerful reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and to seek solace in the eternal blessings promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome the trials and tribulations of this world.