Hadith #3657

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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, "الدُّنيا تُذِلُّ۔" which translates to "This world humiliates." This concise statement holds deep meaning and serves as a reminder for Muslims about the nature of worldly life and the importance of prioritizing the hereafter.

To understand the enlightening message behind this Hadith, we must delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life we are currently living in. It encompasses all the material possessions, desires, and distractions that surround us. The word (tudhillu) "تُذِلُّ" means to humiliate, degrade, or belittle. It signifies the inherent nature of this world to bring about humiliation and degradation.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the temporary and deceptive nature of this worldly life. 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 illustrates how the world entices us with its temporary pleasures, but ultimately fades away, leaving us empty-handed. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the need to focus on the eternal life to come.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly life and emphasizes the ultimate reality of death and the Day of Resurrection. It reminds us that true success lies in attaining Paradise, which can only be achieved by prioritizing the hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not become attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. It warns against being deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions that surround us. By recognizing the inherent nature of this world to humiliate and degrade, we are motivated to detach ourselves from its allurements and focus on the pursuit of righteousness and the hereafter.

This Hadith also reminds us of the wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Islam. His statement serves as a profound reflection on the transient nature of worldly life and the need to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "This world humiliates" serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the temporary nature of worldly pursuits. It urges us to prioritize the hereafter and not be deceived by the fleeting pleasures and distractions of this world. By understanding the true nature of this world and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive for eternal success and salvation. May Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.