Hadith #4215

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims about the consequences of committing sins. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words and their implications.

The word (dhahaba) "ذَهابَ" in the Hadith means "to go away" or "to disappear." It refers to the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the fleeting joy they bring. This word reminds us that the pleasures we indulge in are temporary and will eventually fade away. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185: (3:185)

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

The word (baqaa) "بَقاءَ" in the Hadith means "to remain" or "to stay." It signifies the lasting consequences of our actions, particularly the negative consequences of committing sins. These consequences can manifest in various ways, such as guilt, regret, loss of blessings, and damage to our spiritual well-being. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us reflect on some Quranic verses that emphasize the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the lasting consequences of our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20: (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 reminds us that the pleasures and material possessions of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away. They are merely a means of distraction and amusement. The consequences of our actions, however, extend beyond this worldly life and have an impact on our eternal life in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 84: (28:84)

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that Day, will be safe.

This verse highlights the importance of performing good deeds and reminds us that the rewards for our righteous actions will far surpass the temporary pleasures of this world. On the Day of Judgment, those who have done good will find safety and tranquility, while those who have indulged in sinful acts will face the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the lasting consequences of our actions. It urges us to be mindful of our choices and to consider the long-term effects of our deeds. By recalling the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the enduring consequences of our actions, we can strive to avoid sins and instead focus on actions that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and lead to eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make choices that are pleasing to Him and grant us the strength to resist the temptations of this world. May we always remember the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the lasting consequences of our actions. Ameen.