Hadith #4595

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of complete renunciation of worldly pleasures as one of the highest forms of faith. The Arabic word (zuhd) "زُّهْدِ" refers to the act of abstaining from worldly desires and attachments. It entails detachment from material possessions, wealth, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. The word (afdal) "أفْضَلِ" means the best or the highest.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that zuhd, or complete renunciation of worldly pleasures, is not only an act of faith but also one of the best acts of faith. This means that by willingly detaching ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world, we are demonstrating a deep level of faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a manifestation of our belief that true happiness and contentment lie in the remembrance and worship of Allah, rather than in the accumulation of worldly possessions.

To further understand the significance of zuhd, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:77)

And seek by means of what Allah has given you the home of the Hereafter, and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities and duties in this world. It encourages us to strike a balance between our spiritual pursuits and our worldly obligations. By practicing zuhd, we are able to detach ourselves from the excessive love and attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world, while still fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns us about the corrupting influence of desire for this world. The Arabic word (raghbah) "الرَّغْبَةُ" refers to an intense desire or longing for something. When this desire becomes focused solely on the pleasures and possessions of this world, it corrupts our conviction and weakens our faith.

To understand the consequences of such desires, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:186)

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.

This verse reminds us that our attachment to worldly possessions and desires can lead to tests and trials in our lives. It can also expose us to criticism and abuse from others. However, if we remain patient and steadfast in our faith, fearing Allah and seeking His pleasure, we will find strength and resilience in facing these challenges.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect on the consequences of our desires for this world. When our hearts are consumed by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, our conviction in the truth and the teachings of Islam can be compromised. Our focus shifts from the eternal rewards of the Hereafter to the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. This can lead to a weakening of our faith and a loss of spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to strive for zuhd, to detach ourselves from excessive love and attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world. By doing so, we strengthen our faith, increase our reliance on Allah, and focus on the true purpose of our existence - to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of zuhd, or complete renunciation of worldly pleasures, as one of the best acts of faith. It reminds us to strike a balance between our spiritual pursuits and our worldly responsibilities, while warning us about the corrupting influence of excessive desire for this world. By practicing zuhd, we can strengthen our faith, increase our reliance on Allah, and find true contentment and happiness in the remembrance and worship of our Creator. May Allah guide us all on the path of zuhd and grant us the strength to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world.