Hadith #4582

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "الزُّهْدُ أصْلُ الدِّينِ" which translates to

Renunciation of worldly pleasures is the root of religion.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of detachment from material possessions and worldly desires in the practice of our faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" refers to abstaining from excessive attachment to worldly possessions, wealth, and desires. It is the act of voluntarily choosing simplicity and detachment from materialism. (asl) "أصْلُ" means the root or foundation, indicating that renunciation of worldly pleasures is the fundamental basis of our religion. And (ad-din) "الدِّينِ" refers to the comprehensive system of beliefs, practices, and values that guide our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. It reminds us that the pursuit of material possessions and desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the Hereafter. By renouncing these worldly pleasures, we free ourselves from their grip and focus on the true essence of our faith.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse reminds us that the enjoyment of worldly life is merely a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a means to evaluate our devotion and commitment to Him. By focusing on the provision and blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we recognize that the true source of fulfillment lies in our relationship with Him, not in the accumulation of material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on our attachment to worldly pleasures and to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true contentment and fulfillment can only be found in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness. By practicing renunciation, we detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed profound knowledge and wisdom. His understanding of the essence of religion and the importance of renunciation is a testament to his deep spirituality and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his example and seek knowledge and guidance from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fundamental principle that renunciation of worldly pleasures is the root of our religion. By detaching ourselves from materialism and focusing on our spiritual growth, we can attain true contentment and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and live a life of true devotion and righteousness.