Hadith #4620

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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:

مَنْ زَهِدَ فِي الدُّنيا قَرَّتْ عَيْنُهُ بِجَنَّةِ المَأوى۔

This can be translated as:

One who renounces [the pleasures of] this world will be delighted by the garden of the abode [of perpetual bliss in the Hereafter].

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (zahida) "زَهِدَ", which means to renounce or detach oneself from the materialistic attractions and desires of this worldly life. It implies a state of contentment and detachment from the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, focusing instead on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of renouncing worldly attachments and striving for the eternal abode. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

This verse highlights the need to seek goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, indicating that a balanced approach is required. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically emphasizes the virtue of renouncing worldly pleasures for the sake of attaining the ultimate reward of Paradise.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that worldly possessions and relationships are merely temporary adornments, while the lasting good deeds performed for the sake of Allah are far superior in terms of reward and hope for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to detach ourselves from the allure of this world, as it can distract us from our ultimate purpose and the eternal bliss of Paradise. By renouncing worldly desires and focusing on the Hereafter, our hearts become content and our vision becomes clear, enabling us to fully appreciate the beauty and rewards of the eternal abode.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world, we are able to prioritize our actions and intentions based on the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than the temporary gratification of worldly pleasures. This renunciation leads to a state of tranquility and inner peace, as we are no longer enslaved by the insatiable desires of this world.

Moreover, renouncing the pleasures of this world does not mean completely abandoning our responsibilities or neglecting the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It means recognizing that these worldly possessions and desires are transient, and our true focus should be on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. We should use our worldly resources and blessings in a manner that pleases Allah and benefits others, rather than becoming consumed by materialistic pursuits.

The consequences of adhering to the teachings of this Hadith are profound. By renouncing the pleasures of this world, we attain a higher level of spiritual enlightenment and closeness to Allah. Our actions become sincere and selfless, driven solely by the desire to please our Creator. This detachment from worldly distractions enables us to invest our time and energy in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, and striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of renouncing the pleasures of this world in order to attain the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from the materialistic distractions and focusing on the pleasure of Allah, we find true contentment and delight in the garden of the abode. May Allah guide us all to adopt this mindset and grant us the strength to prioritize the Hereafter over the fleeting attractions of this world.