Hadith #3689

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العاجِلَةُ غُرُورُ الحَمْقى۔" This Hadith highlights the fleeting nature of the material world and its deceptive allure, particularly for those who lack wisdom and understanding. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (al-'ajilah) "العاجِلَةُ" refers to the transient or temporary nature of this world. It emphasizes the fact that everything in this world is temporary and will eventually come to an end. This includes wealth, power, beauty, and all other worldly possessions. The Arabic word (ghuroor) "غُرُورُ" can be translated as delusion, deception, or illusion. It signifies the deceptive nature of this world, which can lead people astray and distract them from the ultimate purpose of their existence.

The phrase (al-hamqa) "الحَمْقى" refers to the unintelligent or foolish individuals who are easily deceived by the allure of this world. These are the people who prioritize worldly gains and pleasures over spiritual growth and the pursuit of eternal happiness. They are blinded by the temporary pleasures of this world and fail to recognize the true value of their actions and choices.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 clearly illustrates the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and highlights their deceptive nature. It compares the life of this world to a rain that brings temporary growth and pleasure, but eventually withers away and turns into scattered debris. This analogy emphasizes the transience of worldly possessions and the need for believers to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 that the true reward for our actions will be given on the Day of Resurrection. It emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment, a delusion that distracts us from the ultimate reality and purpose of our existence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to reflect upon the temporary nature of this world and to prioritize our actions and choices based on their eternal consequences. It warns us against being deceived by the allure of worldly possessions and pleasures, which can lead us away from the path of righteousness and hinder our spiritual growth.

By recognizing the transient nature of this world, we can detach ourselves from its materialistic pursuits and focus on cultivating our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and purify our hearts, knowing that our true reward lies in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.