Hadith #3757

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The significance of this world is little, its product is inferior, its delight is false and its bounties are illusory.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature and deceptive allure of worldly possessions and pleasures.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (khatr) "خَطَرُ" refers to the significance or importance of something. It emphasizes the fleeting and insignificant nature of the world. The word (hasil) "حاصِلُ" denotes the product or outcome of worldly pursuits, highlighting their inferiority and lack of true value. The word (bahjatuhā) "بَهْجَتُها" refers to the delight or joy that the world promises, but ultimately fails to deliver. Lastly, the word (mawāhibuhā) "مَواهِبُها" refers to the bounties or blessings of the world, which are ultimately illusory and transient.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the deceptive allure they hold. The world may provide temporary amusement and adornment, but it ultimately fades away like a plant that withers and turns to debris. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

Here, Allah emphasizes that the love and attachment to worldly desires can be enticing, but they are merely temporary enjoyments. The true and everlasting return lies with Allah. These verses from the Quran beautifully complement the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, emphasizing the insignificance and deceptive nature of worldly pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah. By recognizing the transience and illusory nature of worldly possessions, we can develop a deeper understanding of the true purpose of our existence and strive for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself embodied this understanding, as he was known for his ascetic lifestyle and detachment from worldly possessions. His knowledge and wisdom guided him to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, setting an example for all Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature and deceptive allure of worldly pursuits. By recognizing the insignificance and illusory nature of this world, we can redirect our focus towards the pursuit of the Hereafter and strive for eternal rewards. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary.