Hadith #3681

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is the divorcée of the sagacious.

Let us delve into the meaning of this amazing Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word "motalleqah" in Arabic means "divorcée" or "separated." It implies a state of detachment or separation from something. In this context, it refers to the detachment of the sagacious ones from the materialistic allurements of this world. The term "akyaas" refers to those who possess wisdom, insight, and understanding.

This Hadith reminds us that this world, with all its attractions and pleasures, is transient and fleeting. It is like a divorced woman who has been separated from her husband. Just as a divorced woman no longer has a permanent relationship with her spouse, this world does not have a lasting relationship with the sagacious ones who possess wisdom and understanding.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the temporary nature of this world and the importance of detachment from its allurements. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the temporary satisfaction they provide. Just as a plant grows after rain but eventually withers away, the pleasures of this world are temporary and do not bring lasting fulfillment. The sagacious ones understand this reality and do not become attached to the transient nature of worldly possessions and desires.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and the true compensation for our actions will be given on the Day of Resurrection. The life of this world is described as the "enjoyment of delusion," emphasizing its illusory nature. The sagacious ones understand that true success lies in preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter, rather than becoming engrossed in the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and detachment from worldly distractions. The sagacious ones recognize that true wisdom lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter. They understand that the pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires can lead to spiritual emptiness and detachment from the divine.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, Muslims are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach towards this world. While it is permissible to enjoy the blessings of this life, it is crucial to remember that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter. The sagacious ones understand the temporary nature of this world and strive to detach themselves from its allurements, focusing instead on the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and spiritual growth.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and prioritize our eternal success. May we be among those who are guided by the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, and may we strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this life and the hereafter.