Hadith #3809

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ ماض فَكَأنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ۔

This can be translated as,

Everything that passes [away] is as if it never was.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and is in line with the teachings of the Quran.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (maad) "ماض" refers to something that has passed or gone by. It signifies the transient nature of this world and the temporal nature of our existence. The word (faka'an) "فَكَأنْ" means

as if it never was,

indicating the impermanence and fleeting nature of worldly affairs.

This Hadith reminds us of the Quranic teachings that emphasize the transitory nature of this world. 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.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that the material possessions, worldly achievements, and fleeting pleasures we experience in this life are temporary and will eventually fade away. It urges us to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and focus on the eternal and everlasting.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our ultimate purpose in life is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life in the hereafter. Our actions, deeds, and intentions should be directed towards the attainment of everlasting success rather than being solely fixated on the temporary pleasures of this world.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of not becoming attached to worldly possessions and achievements. We should not let the passing nature of this world deceive us into thinking that these temporary things hold any true value. Instead, we should focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of our own lives. Just as everything that has passed is as if it never was, our own lives will also come to an end. This realization should motivate us to make the most of our time in this world, by engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and doing good deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal. It urges us to detach ourselves from worldly attachments and strive for the everlasting rewards that await us in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this life and guide us on the path of righteousness.