Hadith #3906

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) is a enlightening Hadith that highlights the deceptive nature of the transient world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (al-'ajilah) "العاجِلَةُ" and (inkhada'ta) "انْخَدَعْتَ". The word "العاجِلَةُ" refers to the transient or temporary world, which is characterized by its fleeting nature and impermanence. It encompasses the material possessions, desires, and worldly pursuits that often distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. The word "انْخَدَعْتَ" means to be deceived or beguiled, indicating that the transient world has the ability to mislead and delude individuals.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deceptive nature of the worldly life in several ayats. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says:

(Quran 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 ayat emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary source of amusement, adornment, and competition. It is likened to a rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. The true essence of life lies in the Hereafter, where the consequences of our actions will be realized.

Another relevant ayat is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says:

(Quran 3:14)

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 ayat highlights the allure and attractiveness of worldly possessions, including wealth, family, and material goods. However, Allah reminds us that the true reward lies with Him, and the temporary pleasures of this world should not distract us from seeking His pleasure.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic ayats. He states,

The transient world has not beguiled you, rather through it you have been beguiled.

This statement serves as a reminder that the transient world itself is not inherently deceptive. Rather, it is our attachment and preoccupation with it that leads to deception.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of recognizing the temporary nature of this world and not becoming ensnared by its attractions. It is a call to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on the eternal life to come. By being aware of the deceptive nature of the transient world, we can guard ourselves against being misled and prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and redirect their focus towards the Hereafter. It encourages us to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and strive for righteousness, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly gains. By understanding the true nature of this world, we can navigate through its challenges with wisdom and discernment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the deceptive nature of the transient world and the need to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the eternal life to come. It urges us to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah. May we all strive to internalize this profound wisdom and live our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).