Hadith #3822

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their relationship with the material world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (ans) "آنَسَ" in the Hadith refers to a state of being at ease, comfortable, or complacent. It signifies a sense of security and contentment that can lead to a lack of awareness and caution. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be most cautious during such moments of ease and tranquility, as it is precisely during these times that one may become vulnerable to the temptations and distractions of the material world.

This cautionary message aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of worldly pleasures and the fleeting nature of material possessions. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of life lies in the pursuit of righteousness and the preparation for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also echoes the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3):

Woe to every slanderer and backbiter. Who has gathered wealth and counted it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

These verses caution against the arrogance and false sense of security that can arise from accumulating wealth and material possessions. They remind us that worldly possessions are temporary and cannot provide true security or immortality.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to remain vigilant and mindful of the transient nature of this world. It urges us to be cautious during moments of ease and comfort, as these are the times when we may be most susceptible to the allure of worldly pleasures and distractions.

By being aware of the impermanence of this world and the true purpose of our existence, we can strive to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This awareness can motivate us to use our time, resources, and abilities in ways that align with the teachings of Islam and contribute to our ultimate success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and remain cautious in our relationship with this world. May He guide us to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek His pleasure above all else. And may He bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.