Hadith #4580

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الزُّهْدُ ثَمَرَةُ الدِّينِ" which translates to

Renunciation of worldly pleasures is the fruit of religion.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of detaching oneself from the materialistic desires of this world in order to attain true spirituality and righteousness.

The word (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" refers to abstaining from worldly pleasures and possessions. It is the act of voluntarily detaching oneself from the allure and distractions of materialistic pursuits. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam and is emphasized by the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 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.

The pursuit of worldly pleasures often distracts us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. The Quran repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that renunciation of worldly pleasures is the fruit of religion. This means that true devotion to Allah and the practice of Islam cannot be achieved without detaching oneself from the materialistic desires and distractions of this world. By renouncing worldly pleasures, one can focus on the spiritual aspects of their faith, such as prayer, charity, and self-discipline.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic world, we become more aware of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah. This detachment allows us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and strive for spiritual growth. It helps us develop a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence and the importance of preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter.

Renunciation of worldly pleasures does not mean complete abandonment of the world or neglecting our responsibilities. It means recognizing that worldly possessions are temporary and should not be the sole focus of our lives. It means using our wealth, knowledge, and resources in a way that pleases Allah and benefits humanity. It means finding a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect on the significance of renouncing worldly pleasures. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spirituality, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us all to the path of true spirituality and grant us the ability to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world.