Hadith #3682

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The transient world is the desire of the filthy.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (ajilah) "عاجِلَة" in the Hadith refers to the transient or temporary nature of this world. It highlights the fact that the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life are fleeting and short-lived. They are transitory in nature and do not hold any lasting value. This word reminds us that our true abode lies in the hereafter, and we should not become too attached to the material possessions and desires of this world.

The word (munyah) "مُنْيَةُ" in the Hadith translates to "desire" or "wish." It signifies the inclination towards worldly pleasures and the attachment to material possessions. This word emphasizes that the desires and cravings of this worldly life are often driven by impure intentions and base desires. Such desires can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and distract us from our ultimate purpose in life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

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 echoes the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the hereafter. It reminds us that the true fulfillment of our desires and wishes lies in attaining Paradise and being saved from the torment of the Fire. The pleasures of this world are merely illusory and deceptive, leading us away from the ultimate reality.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the deceptive allure of material possessions. It compares the attractions of this world to a rain that brings temporary growth to plants, only to wither away and turn into scattered debris. It emphasizes that the true purpose of life lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah and attaining His approval, rather than chasing after the transient pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and focus on the eternal life of the hereafter. It cautions us against becoming too attached to the material possessions and desires of this world, as they are ultimately unfulfilling and lead to spiritual degradation. By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly life and redirecting our desires towards the attainment of Paradise, we can strive for true success and everlasting happiness.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the allure of this transient world. May we seek His pleasure and strive for eternal success in the hereafter. Ameen.