Hadith #3800

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فِي الدُّنْيا رَغْبَةُ الأشْقياءِ۔

This can be translated as,

This world is what the wretched desire.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran. Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (dunya) "دُّنْيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that we are currently living in. It is a place of trials and tests, where we strive to fulfill our worldly desires. The word (raghbah) "رَغْبَةُ" means desire or longing, and (al-ashqiya) "الأشْقياءِ" refers to the wretched or unfortunate individuals.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. In Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 185, Allah says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the transitory nature of the worldly life and emphasizes that the true reward and fulfillment of desires will be granted in the Hereafter. The pursuit of worldly desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Hadid, Ayah 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 illustrates the deceptive nature of worldly desires and the temporary satisfaction they provide. Just like a plant that withers away after a short period of growth, the pleasures of this world are fleeting and can lead to spiritual emptiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that those who are wretched and unfortunate are the ones who solely desire and chase after the pleasures of this world. They prioritize material possessions, wealth, and fame over the pursuit of spiritual growth and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This insatiable desire for worldly gains can lead to a life of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and spiritual bankruptcy.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balanced approach towards the world. While it is necessary to fulfill our worldly responsibilities and enjoy the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by the pursuit of material desires. Our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to be mindful of our desires and to seek spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. May we all strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our pursuit of the everlasting happiness in the Hereafter.