Hadith #6470

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani i'tabara bi ghayri dunya qallat minhu al-atma.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon the transient nature of this worldly life and the impact it has on our desires and ambitions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "I'tabara" refers to taking lessons, contemplating, and deriving wisdom from the experiences and events that occur in this world. "Ghayri dunya" refers to anything other than the worldly affairs, such as the spiritual realm, the hereafter, and the eternal truths. "Qallat minhu al-atma" means that one's desires and ambitions decrease as a result of this contemplation.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary joy they bring. Just as a rain-fed plant withers away, the pleasures of this world also fade. Reflecting on this reality can help us detach ourselves from the allure of material possessions and worldly ambitions.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

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 reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and our true reward lies in the hereafter. The pleasures and pursuits of this world are merely illusory and deceptive. By contemplating the transient nature of this life, our desires for worldly possessions and ambitions naturally diminish.

When we ponder upon the vicissitudes of this world, we realize that our time here is limited, and our ultimate destination lies in the hereafter. This realization prompts us to prioritize our actions and aspirations according to the eternal truths and values prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By taking lessons from the impermanence of this world, we become more focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter. Our desires for material possessions, wealth, and worldly success gradually diminish as we recognize their temporary nature and the greater significance of our spiritual growth and deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to reflect upon the fleeting nature of this world and its impact on our desires and ambitions. By contemplating the transient nature of worldly pursuits and focusing on the eternal truths of the Quran, we can detach ourselves from materialistic desires and prioritize our actions according to the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This reflection leads to a transformation in our mindset and a decrease in our worldly desires, enabling us to strive for the everlasting rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to take lessons from the vicissitudes of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.