Hadith #11048

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

He speaks of the world with the words of the abstemious yet acts in it with the actions of the desirous.

This Hadith highlights the balanced approach that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had towards the world and its affairs.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word "abstemious" is translated from the Arabic term "az-zahidin," which refers to those who practice self-restraint and detachment from worldly desires. On the other hand, the word "desirous" is translated from the Arabic term "ar-raghibin," which signifies those who have aspirations and ambitions in the world.

To understand the deeper meaning 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 reminds us that the world is temporary and fleeting. It is a place of tests and trials, where people engage in various pursuits and compete for worldly gains. However, the true essence of life lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood this reality and advised us to speak of the world with the words of the abstemious.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of taking action in this world. In Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of performing good deeds and encouraging others to do the same.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle through his actions. He was known for his knowledge, justice, and piety. He actively participated in the affairs of the world, serving as a just ruler and a wise advisor. His actions were driven by his desire to establish justice and uphold the principles of Islam.

By combining the words of the abstemious with the actions of the desirous, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of striking a balance in our approach to the world. We should not be completely detached from worldly matters, as they provide us with opportunities to do good and make a positive impact. At the same time, we should not become consumed by our desires and lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life.

This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of our intentions and actions in the world. We should strive to speak of the world with the words of those who are detached from its allurements, reminding ourselves and others of its temporary nature. Simultaneously, we should engage in actions that are driven by our aspirations for the Hereafter, seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of others and working towards establishing justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to adopt a balanced approach towards the world. We should be mindful of our words, speaking of the world with the perspective of those who are detached from its allurements. However, we should also actively engage in righteous actions, driven by our aspirations for the Hereafter. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of this world while remaining focused on our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.