Hadith #3688

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الدُّنْيا مُنْيَةُ الأشْقياءِ۔" This can be translated as,

This world is the aspiration of the wretched.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "مُنْيَةُ" in the hadith is derived from the root word "نَوَى" which means desire, aspiration, or wish. It refers to something that one seeks or longs for. In this context, it signifies the worldly desires and ambitions that people pursue in their lives.

The term "الأشْقِيَاءِ" in the hadith refers to the wretched or miserable individuals. These are the people who are misguided and have lost sight of the true purpose of their existence. They prioritize worldly gains and pleasures over their spiritual well-being and the attainment of eternal success.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the fleeting nature of this world and the consequences of being attached to it. 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 temporary nature of worldly pursuits and how they ultimately lead to disappointment and destruction.

Another verse that supports the meaning of the hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ 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.

From these verses, we can understand that the pursuit of worldly desires and materialistic ambitions can lead one astray from the path of righteousness and hinder their spiritual growth. The wretched individuals mentioned in the hadith are those who prioritize worldly gains over their spiritual well-being, thereby neglecting their ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of becoming attached to this world. He reminds us that true happiness and success lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal life of the hereafter.

Reflecting on this hadith, we should strive to detach ourselves from the temporary allurements of this world and focus on building our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should prioritize our spiritual growth, seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and maintaining a strong connection with the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

By understanding the true nature of this world and the consequences of being attached to it, we can strive to become among those who are content with the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure above all else. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the right path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.