Hadith #11497

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) calls upon the Muslims to reflect upon the state of those who possess true certitude (al-mu'minun). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks,

Where are the possessors of certitude who have cast off the attires of vain desire and cut themselves off from the ties of this world?

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The term "mu'minun" refers to those who have attained true faith and certitude in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are individuals who have reached a level of conviction that is unwavering and unshakeable. The word "saraabil" refers to the attires or garments, symbolizing the desires and temptations of this world. By casting off these attires, the possessors of certitude have detached themselves from the allurements and distractions of worldly pursuits. Furthermore, the phrase "ala'iqad-dunya" refers to the ties or connections to this worldly life. The possessors of certitude have severed these ties, freeing themselves from the attachments and attachments that hinder spiritual growth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadeed, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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. 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 emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of detaching oneself from the materialistic desires and attachments. The possessors of certitude, as mentioned in the Hadith, recognize the temporary nature of this world and prioritize their focus on the eternal life to come.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Taghabun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (64:15)

Know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward

This verse reminds us that our worldly possessions and relationships are merely tests from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The possessors of certitude understand this reality and prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over worldly attachments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in the Hadith serves as a call to action for Muslims. It urges us to reflect upon our own state and evaluate whether we have truly cast off the attires of vain desire and severed the ties of this world. The possessors of certitude serve as role models for us, inspiring us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life to come.

By detaching ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, we can attain a higher level of certitude and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This detachment does not mean complete renunciation of the world, but rather a mindset shift where we prioritize our faith and seek moderation in our worldly pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their attachment to this world and strive to attain true certitude in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By casting off the attires of vain desire and cutting ourselves off from the ties of this world, we can strengthen our faith and focus on the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of the possessors of certitude and guide us on the path of righteousness.