Hadith #6116

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) highlights two important aspects of human nature: the desires and aspirations that people covet, and the fleeting nature of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that the abasement or humiliation of individuals lies in their excessive attachment to worldly desires and ambitions. Similarly, the passing of time is wasted when people chase after false hopes and illusions.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (matamie) "مَطَامِعِ" refers to the desires, ambitions, and material possessions that people covet and long for. These can include wealth, power, status, and other worldly pursuits. The word (ajal) "آجَالِ" refers to lifetimes or periods of time. And finally, the word (ghurur) "غُرُورِ" means deceptions or illusions.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the dangers of being overly attached to its material possessions and desires. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah 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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah warns us,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the abasement or humiliation of individuals lies in their excessive attachment to worldly desires and ambitions. When people become consumed by their materialistic cravings, they lose sight of their true purpose in life and become slaves to their desires. This not only leads to spiritual degradation but also hinders personal growth and development.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the passing away of lifetimes in the pursuit of false hopes and illusions. Many individuals spend their lives chasing after dreams that are built on false promises and unrealistic expectations. They invest their time and energy in pursuits that ultimately lead to disappointment and regret. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their actions and aspirations based on the guidance of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly desires and the pursuit of false hopes. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their actions and aspirations based on the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By doing so, Muslims can avoid the abasement and humiliation that comes with being slaves to their desires and can instead lead a life of purpose, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the deceptions of this world.