Hadith #4623

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having the right perspective towards the world and its attractions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, advises us to view the world through the lens of a person who is detached from its materialistic allurements, rather than being captivated by its charms.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (nazara) "نَظَرَ" means to look or see, while (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيَا" refers to the temporal world and its fleeting pleasures. The term (az-zahid) "الزّاهِدِ" refers to the abstinent one, who refrains from indulging in worldly desires and possessions. On the other hand, (al-'ashiq) "العاشِقِ" refers to the adoring or attached one, who is infatuated with the worldly attractions and becomes engrossed in them. Finally, (al-wamiq) "الوامِقِ" denotes someone who is deeply absorbed or fascinated by something.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the deceptive allure they hold. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of life lies beyond the materialistic pursuits of this world. The eyes of the abstinent, as mentioned in the Hadith, are focused on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, rather than being captivated by the transient nature of worldly possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly desires and possessions that captivate the hearts of people. However, it also reminds us that the true and ultimate return lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The eyes of the adoring, attached one, as mentioned in the Hadith, are fixated on the temporary pleasures of this world, neglecting the greater purpose and the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to adopt the perspective of the abstinent one, who recognizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and refrains from becoming attached to them. By doing so, we can free ourselves from the chains of materialism and focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and seek contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the distractions of materialism and instead invest our time and energy in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to adopt the perspective of the abstinent one and view the world with detachment, recognizing its transient nature. By doing so, we can redirect our focus towards the eternal rewards of the Hereafter and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.