Hadith #3581

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious of the deception of this worldly life. The word (be wary) "اتَّقُوا" emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious. It is a call to Muslims to be aware of the traps and allurements of this world, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

The word (deception) "غُرُورَ" refers to the false promises and illusions that this world presents to us. It is a reminder that the material possessions and worldly pleasures are temporary and fleeting. They may seem attractive and desirable, but they are ultimately transient and will not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that this world (takes back) "تَسْتَرْجِعُ" that which it beguiles with. This means that the world has a way of reclaiming the things it offers us. It can snatch away the blessings and charms it once bestowed upon us, leaving us empty-handed and disillusioned. This serves as a reminder that we should not become attached to the material possessions and worldly achievements, as they can be taken away from us at any moment.

The Hadith also mentions that this world (drives away) "تَزْعَجُ" the one who feels at ease and is settled in it. This refers to the restlessness and dissatisfaction that can arise when we become too attached to the comforts and luxuries of this world. When we place our ultimate trust and contentment in worldly possessions, we are bound to experience disappointment and unease. This is because the world is ever-changing and can never provide true and lasting peace.

To support this exegesis, let us turn to the Quran. 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the fleeting nature of material possessions.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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 emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life that awaits us in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should not be deceived by the temporary allurements of this world, but rather strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be wary of the deception of this world and to seek His pleasure above all else. May He guide us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to find true contentment in His remembrance. Ameen.