Hadith #3731

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 phrase of the Hadith is (Bi'satid-darud-dunya) "بِئْسَتِ الدّارُ الدُّنيا۔". Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (Bi'sat) "بِئْسَتِ" is derived from the root word (Ba'isa) "بَئِسَ", which means something that is bad, wretched, or miserable. It signifies the inherent flaws and imperfections of this worldly abode. The word (Ad-dar) "الدّارُ" refers to a dwelling or a place of residence, while (Ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا۔" refers to the temporal world, the material realm that we currently inhabit.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the transient nature and inherent deficiencies of this worldly life. He is drawing our attention to the fact that this world, with all its allure and attractions, is ultimately a place of trials, tribulations, and impermanence. It is a reminder for us to not become too attached to the materialistic aspects of this world and to focus on the eternal life that awaits us in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in 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 beautifully captures the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary satisfaction they provide. It reminds us that the material possessions and achievements we accumulate in this world will eventually fade away, just like the plants that wither and turn to debris. Therefore, it is crucial for us to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness, as these are the deeds that will endure and benefit us in the eternal abode.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse draws a parallel between the transitory nature of worldly life and the cycle of rain and vegetation. Just as the rain nourishes the earth and causes plants to grow, our worldly pursuits may bring temporary pleasure and prosperity. However, just as the vegetation eventually dries up and scatters, the pleasures and possessions of this world will also fade away. This analogy serves as a reminder for us to focus on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the temporary allure of worldly pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

How bad an abode this world is!

serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on the true purpose of our existence. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing the inherent flaws and impermanence of this worldly life, we are motivated to seek the eternal blessings and rewards of the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to understand the true nature of this world and enable us to prioritize our efforts towards attaining His pleasure and the eternal abode of Paradise. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.