Hadith #4567

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) emphasizes the importance of renouncing the worldly pleasures in order to attain divine mercy. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (izhad) "اِزْهَدْ" in Arabic means to renounce or detach oneself from something. In this context, it refers to renouncing the materialistic desires and attachments of this world. By doing so, one can attain a higher level of spirituality and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This renunciation is not a complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities, but rather a detachment from the excessive love and attachment to worldly possessions and desires.

The phrase (fi al-dunya) "فِي الدُّنيا" refers to the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life. It encompasses the pursuit of wealth, power, fame, and all other materialistic desires that distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to renounce these worldly pleasures, not because they are inherently evil, but because excessive attachment to them can lead to spiritual negligence and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second part of the Hadith states, (tanzil 'alayka al-rahmah) "تَنْزِلْ عَلَيْكَ الرَّحْمَةُ", which translates to

divine mercy will descend upon you.

This implies that by renouncing the pleasures of this world, one opens the doors to receiving Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mercy and blessings. Divine mercy encompasses forgiveness, guidance, protection, and all forms of spiritual and material blessings that Allah bestows upon His servants.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of renouncing worldly desires in order to attain divine mercy. 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 highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. It reminds us that the pursuit of materialistic desires is merely an illusion, and true success lies in seeking Allah's pleasure and forgiveness.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse advises believers to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual pursuits. It encourages them to seek the Hereafter while fulfilling their worldly obligations, reminding them not to become engrossed in worldly desires to the extent that they forget their ultimate purpose.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the temporary pleasures of this world. By renouncing excessive attachment to worldly possessions and desires, we can attain a higher level of piety, humility, and closeness to our Creator. This detachment allows us to focus on the eternal rewards and blessings of the Hereafter, and it opens the doors for divine mercy to descend upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and detachment from worldly desires. By renouncing the pleasures of this world, we can attain divine mercy and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This renunciation does not require complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities, but rather a detachment from excessive attachment to materialistic pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement this advice in our lives and may His mercy descend upon us all.