Hadith #3895

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

From the contemptibleness of this world in the sight of Allah is that one does not gain that which is with Him except by abandoning it.

This enlightening saying highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the importance of detachment from materialism in order to attain the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (dzamamati) "ذَمَامَةِ" refers to the contemptibleness or insignificance of this world. It signifies the fleeting nature and temporary allure of worldly possessions, which often distract individuals from their ultimate purpose in life. The word (tarkeha) "تَرْكِهَا" means abandoning or leaving behind. It implies a conscious decision to detach oneself from the materialistic pursuits of this world and prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:46)

Wealth and children are the 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 highlights that while wealth and worldly possessions may bring temporary pleasure, it is the lasting good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah states, (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

This verse vividly portrays the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the need to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith urges us to reflect upon the consequences of our attachment to worldly possessions. When we prioritize materialism over spirituality, we become engrossed in the pursuit of wealth, fame, and power, often neglecting our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. This attachment leads to a spiritual void and prevents us from attaining true contentment and inner peace. By abandoning the love for this world and redirecting our focus towards the Hereafter, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and open the doors to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the contemptibleness of this world lies in the fact that we cannot attain what is truly valuable in the sight of Allah unless we detach ourselves from it. This detachment does not mean complete renunciation of worldly affairs, but rather a mindset shift where we prioritize our spiritual development and use our worldly possessions as a means to attain the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and the importance of detaching ourselves from materialism. By abandoning our attachment to worldly possessions and redirecting our focus towards the Hereafter, we can attain true contentment, inner peace, and the eternal rewards promised by Allah. May Allah guide us all to prioritize our spiritual growth and grant us the strength to detach ourselves from the allure of this world.