Hadith #3662

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "كُلُّ فان يَسيرٌ۔" which translates to

Every perishing thing is insignificant.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The word (kullu) "كُلُّ" means "every" or "all," indicating the universality of the statement. It encompasses everything that is subject to perishing, which includes all worldly possessions, material wealth, and even our own lives.

The word (fan) "فان" refers to something that is transient, temporary, and perishable. It highlights the ephemeral nature of worldly things and emphasizes their ultimate insignificance in the grand scheme of existence. This word reminds us that everything in this world is bound to fade away and lose its value over time.

The word (yasir) "يَسِيرٌ" means "insignificant" or "trivial." It signifies the lack of importance or significance that these perishing things hold in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder that our attachment to worldly possessions should not overshadow our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for eternal success in the Hereafter.

This profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 verse beautifully captures the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary pleasure they provide. It compares the allure of worldly life to a rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. It serves as a reminder that our focus should not be solely on accumulating wealth and material possessions, but rather on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and highlights the superiority of what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us to reflect upon the true purpose of our existence and to prioritize the pursuit of the everlasting rewards that lie with Allah, rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Every perishing thing is insignificant,

serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and to focus on what truly matters in the eyes of Allah. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly life, we can redirect our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to prioritize the everlasting over the temporary and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.