Hadith #3776

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sovereignty of this world is disgrace and its loftiness is lowness.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true nature of worldly power and authority. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sovereignty) "سُلْطَانُ" refers to power, authority, or control over something. In this context, it represents the worldly dominion and rulership. The word (disgrace) "ذُلٌّ" signifies humiliation, degradation, and a state of being lowly. On the other hand, the word (loftiness) "عِلْوُهَا" refers to the elevation, high status, and grandeur associated with worldly positions and ranks. Lastly, the word (lowness) "سِفْلٌ" denotes the opposite of loftiness, indicating a state of being low, inferior, and insignificant.

To comprehend the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadeed (57:20) that the life of this world is merely a fleeting enjoyment, and the true abode of honor and dignity lies in the Hereafter. Allah says,

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deceptive nature of worldly power and wealth. He says,

But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer - it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly power and authority often leads to disgrace and humiliation. This is because the world is transient, and its allurements are temporary. Those who seek power for personal gain, without considering the principles of justice and righteousness, ultimately find themselves in a state of disgrace and degradation.

In contrast, true honor and loftiness lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:22) that those who believe in Him and do righteous deeds will be granted honor and dignity. He says,

You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred. Those - He has decreed within their hearts faith and supported them with spirit from Him. And We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allah. Unquestionably, the party of Allah - they are the successful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly power and authority. By focusing on righteousness, justice, and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true honor and dignity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.