Hadith #9512

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لالَذَّةَ في شَهْوَة فانِيَة۔

This translates to

There is no pleasure in transient desires.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (lalazata) "لالَذَّةَ" refers to pleasure, delight, or enjoyment. It signifies a sense of satisfaction and contentment that one experiences. On the other hand, (shahwah) "شَهْوَة" refers to transient desires or lustful inclinations. These desires are temporary and fleeting, often leading to regret and dissatisfaction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no true pleasure or lasting satisfaction in indulging in these transient desires. This wise utterance reminds us of the importance of seeking fulfillment in that which is eternal and everlasting, rather than being captivated by the allure of temporary pleasures.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this exegesis. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the transitory nature of worldly desires and possessions. While they may provide temporary pleasure, they do not bring lasting contentment or true fulfillment. The true and everlasting pleasure lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for the eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports this exegesis is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate insignificance of material possessions. It reminds us that true pleasure lies in seeking the forgiveness and approval of Allah, rather than being consumed by the temporary allure of worldly desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of everlasting pleasure and contentment over the temporary and transient pleasures of this world. By focusing on the pleasure of Allah and striving for righteousness, we can attain true fulfillment and eternal happiness.

When we reflect upon the consequences of indulging in transient desires, we realize that they often lead to regret, dissatisfaction, and spiritual emptiness. These desires may provide momentary pleasure, but they leave us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from our purpose in life. By recognizing the temporary nature of these desires, we can redirect our focus towards that which brings lasting joy and satisfaction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a guiding light for us as Muslims. It encourages us to seek pleasure and contentment in that which is eternal and everlasting, rather than being captivated by the fleeting allure of transient desires. By aligning our actions and intentions with the pleasure of Allah, we can attain true fulfillment and everlasting happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the pursuit of everlasting pleasure and contentment over the transient desires of this world. May we strive to seek His pleasure and find true fulfillment in His obedience. Ameen.