Hadith #3871

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

مَنْ عَرَفَ عَنِ الدُّنيا أتَتْهُ صاغِرَةً۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever turns away from this world, it comes to him belittled.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (arafa) "عَرَفَ", which means to know, recognize, or understand. It implies a deep understanding and realization of the true nature of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of recognizing the transient and fleeting nature of this world, and the need to detach oneself from its allurements.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is merely a temporary illusion, filled with distractions and materialistic pursuits. It is a test for us, and our true purpose lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that when one turns away from the worldly desires and attachments, it comes to them (saghira) "صاغِرَةً", meaning belittled or diminished. This means that when a person truly understands the insignificance of worldly possessions and ambitions, they no longer hold power over them. The allurements of this world lose their grip, and one's attachment to materialistic pursuits diminishes.

The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Anfal (8:28), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that our possessions and worldly attachments are merely a test, and true success lies in seeking the reward from Allah in the Hereafter. When we recognize this truth, the value and importance we place on worldly possessions naturally diminishes.

The consequences of turning away from the world and recognizing its insignificance are profound. By detaching ourselves from the materialistic pursuits, we free ourselves from the constant desire for more, the fear of loss, and the anxiety of worldly matters. This detachment allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, our relationship with Allah, and our pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this detachment and recognition of the true nature of the world through his own life. Despite being the rightful successor of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and possessing immense knowledge and wisdom, he lived a simple and humble life, detached from the allurements of power and wealth. His focus was solely on serving Allah and guiding the Muslim community towards righteousness.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith to reflect on the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our spiritual growth over worldly pursuits. We should strive to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires and recognize that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come. By doing so, we can find peace and contentment in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true nature of this world and the strength to detach ourselves from its allurements. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.