Hadith #2712

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of wisdom and its impact on an individual's perspective towards the world and the hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound saying.

The key words in this Hadith are (tanazzuh) "تَنَزُّهُ" and (walah) "وَلَهُ". "تَنَزُّهُ" refers to the act of disdaining or turning away from something, while "وَلَهُ" signifies being infatuated or deeply attached to something. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses these words to describe the fruit or outcome of wisdom.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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. 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. It aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, urging Muslims to disdain the world and its fleeting pleasures.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:38), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.

This verse highlights the attachment of some individuals to the materialistic aspects of this world, causing them to neglect their responsibilities towards the cause of Allah. It serves as a reminder that the pleasures of this world are insignificant when compared to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages Muslims to detach themselves from worldly distractions and focus on the ultimate goal of attaining Paradise. By disdaining the world, one becomes less attached to its transient nature and is able to prioritize the pursuit of eternal happiness in the Hereafter.

This wisdom is exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. His profound knowledge and understanding of the Quran allowed him to detach from worldly desires and focus on the greater purpose of serving Allah. His unwavering devotion to the Hereafter enabled him to make sacrifices and face hardships with unwavering determination.

The consequences of embracing this wisdom are profound. By disdaining the world, Muslims are able to resist the temptations and distractions that may lead them astray from the path of righteousness. They become more focused on fulfilling their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This mindset also helps in cultivating contentment and gratitude, as one realizes that true fulfillment lies in the eternal rewards of Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world. By disdaining the world and being infatuated with the Eternal Paradise, we can attain true wisdom and align our actions with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embrace this wisdom and strive for the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.