Hadith #4476

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

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

رَغْبَتُكَ في زاهِد فيكَ ذُلٌّ۔

This can be translated as,

Your longing for the one who has no interest in you is a humiliation.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "رَغْبَتُكَ" refers to one's longing or desire for someone or something. "زاهِد" refers to a person who is detached from worldly desires and material possessions, someone who is content with what Allah has provided and does not seek worldly pleasures. "ذُلٌّ" means humiliation or degradation.

To comprehend the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, 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 our longing and desire should not be solely focused on the material possessions and pleasures of this world. The beauty and allure of worldly life can be a test for us, but we must remember that the provision of our Lord is far superior and everlasting. Our attachment to worldly desires can lead to humiliation and degradation, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) has stated.

Furthermore, 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 delusion they create. The pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly desires can lead to a false sense of fulfillment and contentment. However, in reality, these pursuits are fleeting and can ultimately result in humiliation and degradation, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) has warned.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our desires and longings. Instead of yearning for those who have no interest in us, we should focus our longing on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. Our attachment and devotion to the Divine will bring us true fulfillment and honor, while our attachment to worldly desires can lead to humiliation and degradation.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He possessed deep insight into the human psyche and understood the consequences of misplaced desires. By reminding us of the potential humiliation that can arise from longing for those who have no interest in us, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guides us towards a path of spiritual growth and contentment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their desires and longings. It cautions against attaching ourselves to worldly pursuits and individuals who do not reciprocate our feelings. Instead, we should direct our longing towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure, for true fulfillment and honor lie in His Divine presence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.