Hadith #3750

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

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

خَيْرُ الدُّنيْا حَسْرَةٌ، وشَرُّها نَدَمٌ۔

This can be translated as,

The good of this world is [a cause of] sorrow and its evil is [a cause of] regret.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (hasrah) "حَسْرَةٌ" refers to a feeling of sorrow or grief that arises from a missed opportunity or loss. It signifies the pain one experiences when they realize that they have wasted their time or resources on worldly pursuits that do not bring them closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, the word (nadam) "نَدَمٌ" refers to regret or remorse that one feels after committing a wrong action or making a bad decision.

This Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inherent dissatisfaction they bring. It reminds us that the pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires can lead to a sense of emptiness and regret. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran:

(Quran 8:28)

And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse emphasizes that worldly possessions and relationships are merely a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are not the ultimate goal of our existence, but rather a means to test our faith and devotion. Therefore, attaching ourselves too strongly to the material world can lead to disappointment and regret in the long run.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures:

(Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that the allure of worldly possessions and desires can be deceptive. While they may bring temporary pleasure, they do not provide lasting fulfillment. The true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life to come. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the potential regrets they can bring, we are motivated to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the potential regrets they can bring. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make choices that bring us closer to Him and grant us the wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of worldly attachments.