Hadith #4579

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of renouncing worldly pleasures, which is rooted in the desire for that which is with Allah. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (zuhd) "زُّهْدِ" in Arabic refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly desires and possessions. It implies a conscious choice to prioritize the eternal rewards and blessings of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the foundation of zuhd lies in having a (husn al-raghbah) "حُسْنُ الرَّغْبَةِ", which can be translated as a good and sincere desire.

To understand the concept of zuhd and its connection to the desire for what is with Allah, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

And of them are some who say, '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 balanced approach that Muslims should adopt. It is not wrong to desire the blessings of this world, as long as it is accompanied by a sincere desire for the rewards of the Hereafter. The true essence of zuhd lies in recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures and seeking the eternal treasures that await us in the presence of Allah.

Another verse that supports the 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 material possessions and worldly relationships are merely temporary adornments. While they may bring temporary joy and comfort, they cannot compare to the everlasting rewards of good deeds in the sight of Allah. The desire for what is with Allah encompasses seeking His pleasure, performing righteous deeds, and striving for spiritual growth and closeness to Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the root of zuhd lies in this sincere desire for what is with Allah. When our hearts are filled with the love of Allah and the yearning for His pleasure, we naturally detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and desires. Our focus shifts from the temporary to the eternal, and we become more conscious of our actions and their consequences in the Hereafter.

This profound Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and desires. It encourages us to seek the pleasure of Allah above all else and to prioritize our actions based on their potential for eternal reward. By nurturing a sincere desire for what is with Allah, we can cultivate a mindset of zuhd and detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the foundation of zuhd lies in having a good and sincere desire for what is with Allah. This desire is rooted in recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures and prioritizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By aligning our intentions and actions with this sincere desire, we can detach ourselves from the allure of this world and strive for a higher spiritual state. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the essence of zuhd and seek His pleasure above all else.