Hadith #3565

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

الدُّنيا ظِلُّ الغَمامِ، وحُلُمُ المَنامِ۔

This can be translated as:

This world is [like] the shadow of clouds and the dream that is seen while asleep.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zill) "ظِلُّ" in the Hadith refers to the shadow. Just as a shadow is transient and fleeting, the world we live in is also temporary and ephemeral. It is like a passing shadow that appears for a brief moment and then disappears. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Furthermore, the Hadith compares this world to (hulum al-manam) "حُلُمُ المَنامِ", which means the dream seen while asleep. Just as a dream is a fleeting illusion that vanishes upon awakening, the pleasures and material possessions of this world are transient and illusory. They can easily distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead us astray. The Quran emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions in Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the impermanence and insignificance of worldly pursuits. It urges us to prioritize the eternal and everlasting life of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. Just as a shadow and a dream are fleeting, so too are the joys and sorrows of this worldly existence.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the true purpose of our existence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, and his words serve as a guide for Muslims to navigate the challenges of this world.

By recognizing the transient nature of this world, we can detach ourselves from its allurements and focus on the pursuit of righteousness and the attainment of the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to accumulate good deeds and seek knowledge that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and the eternal life of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.