Hadith #3718

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the world to a lifeless corpse and those who establish bonds of brotherhood solely for the purpose of acquiring worldly possessions to dogs. He emphasizes that such individuals, despite claiming brotherhood, are willing to harm each other for the sake of worldly gains.

To fully comprehend the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The term (jifa) "جيفَةٌ" refers to a lifeless body or corpse. It symbolizes the transitory nature of the world and its inability to provide true fulfillment and eternal happiness. The word (ashbah) "أشْباهُ" means "similar to" or "resembling." It highlights the likeness between those who establish bonds of brotherhood for worldly gains and dogs, who are known for their loyalty to their own interests rather than genuine companionship.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment, and the true abode of the believers lies in the Hereafter. This verse echoes the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in highlighting the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the need to prioritize the eternal life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the allure of worldly gains and the deception it brings. He says,

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) intention in this Hadith is not to condemn brotherhood itself, but rather to caution against establishing bonds solely for worldly gains. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim brotherhood, yet are willing to harm each other for the sake of material possessions. Such individuals prioritize their own interests over the well-being of their so-called brothers, betraying the true essence of brotherhood.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual and moral values over worldly possessions. It teaches us that true brotherhood is based on sincerity, selflessness, and the pursuit of righteousness. We should strive to establish bonds of brotherhood that are rooted in faith and shared values, rather than material gain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound knowledge and wisdom shine through in this Hadith. He encourages us to reflect on the true purpose of our existence and to prioritize the eternal over the temporary. By doing so, we can attain true happiness and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual and moral values over worldly possessions. It warns against establishing bonds of brotherhood solely for material gain and emphasizes the transitory nature of the world. By reflecting on the teachings of this Hadith and aligning our actions with the principles of Islam, we can strive towards true brotherhood and attain eternal happiness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the right path and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.