Hadith #3807

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُلُّ جَمْع إلى شَتات۔

which translates to

Every gathering is [headed] towards dispersion.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly gatherings and the inevitability of their dispersal.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words. The word (jam') "جَمْع" refers to a gathering or assembly of people coming together for a common purpose. It signifies the unity and collective presence of individuals in a particular setting. On the other hand, (shatat) "شَتات" means dispersion or scattering, indicating the eventual dissolution and dispersal of the gathering.

This Hadith finds resonance in the Quranic teachings, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the impermanence of worldly affairs. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (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 whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter, there is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the transitory nature of gatherings. Just as the rainwater nourishes the crops, bringing them to life, it eventually dries up, and the vegetation withers away. Similarly, gatherings that bring people together for various reasons, whether social, political, or otherwise, are bound to disperse and fade away.

Another Quranic verse that resonates with this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah says, (8:47)

And be not like those who came forth from their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the path of Allah. And Allah is encompassing of what they do.

This verse warns against the arrogance and pride that can arise from gatherings where individuals seek attention and recognition from others. It reminds us that the true purpose of any gathering should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and to strive for righteousness. When gatherings become centered around worldly desires and egoistic pursuits, they are destined to disintegrate, leading to dispersion and loss of focus on the path of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of worldly affairs. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, ensuring that our gatherings are centered around seeking the pleasure of Allah and promoting unity, knowledge, and righteousness.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of detachment from worldly attachments. While it is natural for humans to come together and form gatherings, we must remember that our ultimate purpose lies beyond these temporary gatherings. Our true home is the Hereafter, and our actions in this world should be directed towards attaining eternal success.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. Just as gatherings disperse, the consequences of our deeds will also unfold. If our gatherings are based on falsehood, arrogance, or sinful activities, the consequences will be negative and detrimental to our spiritual well-being. Conversely, if our gatherings are rooted in seeking knowledge, promoting unity, and fostering righteous actions, the consequences will be positive and beneficial.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Every gathering is [headed] towards dispersion,

serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly gatherings. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, ensuring that our gatherings are centered around seeking the pleasure of Allah and promoting unity, knowledge, and righteousness. May Allah guide us to make the most of our gatherings, seeking His pleasure and preparing for the eternal abode.