Hadith #3685

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world deceives, harms and passes by.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the transient nature of worldly affairs.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (taghurru) "تَغُرُّ" means to deceive or delude. It implies that the allure and attractions of this world can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. The word (tadhurru) "تَضُرُّ" means to harm or cause damage. It highlights the negative consequences and harm that can arise from becoming too attached to worldly possessions and desires. Lastly, the word (tamurru) "تَمُرُّ" means to pass by or come to an end. It emphasizes the transient nature of this world, reminding us that everything in it is temporary and will eventually fade away.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of its pleasures.

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 the true reward and recompense for our actions will be given in the Hereafter, and that the pleasures of this world are merely illusory and deceptive.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the attractions of this world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and desires, we can guard ourselves against becoming too attached to them and falling into the traps of materialism and greed.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced approach towards worldly affairs. While it is permissible to enjoy the blessings and provisions of this world, we must always remember that they are temporary and should not distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By keeping this perspective, we can navigate through the challenges and trials of this world with wisdom and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the transient nature of worldly affairs. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By recognizing the deceptive and harmful nature of this world, we can guard ourselves against becoming too attached to its attractions and strive to lead a balanced and purposeful life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.