Hadith #11453

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْيَقِينُ أَفْضَلُ الزَّهَادَةِ" which translates to

Certitude is the best [means of] indifference towards [the pleasures of] this world.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having unwavering certainty in the face of worldly temptations and distractions.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (al-yaqeen) "الْيَقِينُ" refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It signifies a level of faith that is unshakable and unwavering. It is a state of complete trust and belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His divine guidance. The word (afdal) "أَفْضَلُ" means the best or superior, indicating that certitude holds a position of utmost importance and excellence. Lastly, the word (az-zuhadah) "الزَّهَادَةِ" refers to indifference or detachment from the pleasures and materialistic pursuits of this world.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadeed (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 reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are like a passing rain that brings temporary joy but eventually withers away. The pursuit of worldly possessions and desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain eternal success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that certitude, or unwavering faith, is the best means to detach ourselves from the allurements of this world. When we have absolute conviction in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), His divine attributes, and His promise of reward and punishment, we become less attached to worldly possessions and pleasures. Our focus shifts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal abode.

This certitude acts as a shield against the distractions and temptations that can lead us astray. It strengthens our resolve to resist the allure of materialism and encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to make choices based on what pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being swayed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Furthermore, certitude empowers us to face the challenges and trials of life with patience and resilience. It instills in us the understanding that this world is a temporary abode, and the true reward lies in the Hereafter. This perspective helps us maintain a balanced approach towards worldly possessions and responsibilities, ensuring that they do not consume us or divert us from our ultimate purpose.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that certitude is the best means to detach ourselves from the pleasures and distractions of this world. By cultivating unwavering faith and absolute conviction in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can overcome the allurements of materialism and prioritize our spiritual growth. This certitude acts as a shield, protecting us from being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world and guiding us towards the eternal success of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to cultivate certitude in our hearts and lead a life of detachment from worldly distractions.