Hadith #6753

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ عارِف عائِفٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Every cognizant one is averse [to the temporary pleasures of this world].

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (cognizant) "عارِف" refers to someone who possesses deep knowledge and understanding. It signifies a person who is aware of the true nature of this world and its transient nature. Such an individual recognizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and is not enticed by them. They have a higher purpose and are focused on attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith reminds us of the Quranic teachings that emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to reflect on the true purpose of our existence and to prioritize the eternal rewards over the temporary pleasures of this world. It calls upon us to detach ourselves from materialistic pursuits and focus on the spiritual growth that leads to closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By being cognizant of the transient nature of worldly pleasures, we can avoid becoming slaves to our desires and instead strive for the everlasting bliss of the Hereafter. This awareness helps us make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, a cognizant Muslim will prioritize acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and charity over indulging in materialistic pursuits. They will understand that these acts have a lasting impact on their souls and contribute to their spiritual growth. They will also be cautious of falling into the traps of greed, arrogance, and worldly attachments, as they recognize the harm these vices can cause to their spiritual well-being.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we are cognizant of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures, we become more mindful of the choices we make. We understand that our actions in this world have consequences that extend beyond our limited time here. This awareness motivates us to seek forgiveness for our sins, strive for righteousness, and make amends for any wrongdoings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true knowledge leads to aversion to the temporary pleasures of this world. By being cognizant of the transient nature of worldly possessions and pleasures, we can prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be truly cognizant and averse to the distractions of this world.