Hadith #3783

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طَلاقُ الدُّنيْا مَهْرُ الجَنَّةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Divorcing this world is the dowry for Paradise.

To understand the meaning behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (talaq) "طَلاقُ" in Arabic means divorce, but in this context, it signifies detachment or separation. It implies that one should detach themselves from the worldly attachments and desires that distract them from the path of righteousness. By divorcing the world, one frees themselves from the chains of materialism and focuses on the ultimate goal of attaining Paradise.

The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيْا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting. It encompasses all the worldly possessions, desires, and distractions that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

The word (mahr) "مَهْرُ" means dowry, which is the gift given by the groom to the bride in Islamic marriage. In this Hadith, it symbolizes the price or sacrifice one must pay to attain Paradise. It signifies the renunciation of worldly desires and attachments, which is the dowry required to enter the eternal bliss of Paradise.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 201:

Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. By divorcing the world, one can focus on attaining the eternal goodness of Paradise.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds. Divorcing the world allows one to prioritize the pursuit of good deeds that will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us a profound lesson. Divorcing the world does not mean completely abandoning our responsibilities or neglecting the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Rather, it means detaching ourselves from the excessive love and attachment to worldly possessions, desires, and distractions that divert our attention from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

By divorcing the world, we prioritize the pursuit of good deeds, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal reward of Paradise. This detachment allows us to focus on the true purpose of our existence and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It helps us overcome the distractions and temptations of this world, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of divorcing the world, detaching ourselves from its allurements, and prioritizing the pursuit of righteousness. By divorcing the world, we pay the dowry required to enter the eternal bliss of Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to detach ourselves from the world and seek His pleasure, both in this life and the Hereafter.