لِكُلِّ شَيْء فَوْتٌ۔
For everything there is a passing away.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Opportunity And Its Loss)
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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "لِكُلِّ شَيْء فَوْتٌ۔" This can be translated into English as:
For everything there is a passing away.
Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word (fawtun) "فَوْتٌ" in Arabic refers to the concept of passing away or perishing. It signifies the transient nature of all things in this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that nothing in this world is permanent or eternal. Whether it is wealth, power, beauty, or any other worldly possession, it will eventually come to an end.
This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in several verses. 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 emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary nature of this life.
Another verse that supports the meaning of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:88):
And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgement, and to Him you will be returned.
This verse highlights the ultimate reality that everything in this world will perish except for the eternal existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on the everlasting and not the transient.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal. It encourages us to reflect on the impermanence of worldly possessions and to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter.
When we understand that everything in this world is temporary, it helps us to navigate through the challenges and trials of life with patience and resilience. We realize that hardships and difficulties are also passing, and that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for the eternal rewards in the hereafter.
This Hadith also teaches us the importance of humility and gratitude. When we recognize that everything we have is temporary, we become more grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us. We understand that our wealth, health, and relationships are gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and we should use them in a way that pleases Him.
Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to not become attached to worldly possessions. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires that can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. By recognizing the transient nature of everything, we can focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
For everything there is a passing away
carries a beautiful message for Muslims. It reminds us of the transient nature of this world and encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of the eternal. By understanding and internalizing this wisdom, we can navigate through the challenges of life with patience, gratitude, and a focus on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to comprehend this message and guide us on the path of righteousness.
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