Hadith #3943

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the "slaves of desire" and advises them to cut short their desires. The term "slaves of desire" refers to those who are enslaved by their worldly desires, constantly chasing after material possessions, wealth, and power. These individuals are driven by their insatiable desires, which lead them away from the path of righteousness and towards a life of heedlessness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who lean on this world and become attached to its fleeting pleasures will ultimately gain nothing but hardship and suffering. The phrase

the grating sound of hardship

symbolizes the difficulties and challenges that one encounters when they prioritize worldly pursuits over spiritual growth and the pursuit of the Hereafter.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us in the Quran about the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter.

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. 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 ayah emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and approval from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that the true purpose of life is to prepare for the Hereafter, where everlasting rewards and punishments await.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes that true success lies in performing enduring good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and worldly desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the allure of this world and to focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth and the Hereafter. By cutting short our desires and redirecting our attention towards the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the fulfillment of our religious obligations, we can free ourselves from the shackles of worldly attachments and find true peace and contentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. His words in this Hadith reflect his profound insight into the teachings of Islam and his unwavering commitment to guiding Muslims towards the path of righteousness. As believers, it is our duty to reflect upon the wisdom contained in this Hadith and strive to implement its teachings in our daily lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our worldly desires and to prioritize our pursuit of the Hereafter. May He bless us with the wisdom to understand the temporary nature of this world and the importance of seeking His pleasure above all else. And may He enable us to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous companions of the Prophet (ﷺ). Ameen.