Hadith #3580

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of adopting a detached and indifferent attitude towards the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to look at this world with the same disinterest and detachment as those who have renounced it completely. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the potential harm they can cause.

Let us now delve into the deeper meaning of the words used in this Hadith. The word (nazara) "نَظَرَ" means to look or view, while (az-zahideen) "الزَّاهِدينَ" refers to those who have detached themselves from worldly desires and pleasures. The word (as-sarifeen) "الصَّارِفينَ" means those who have turned away or diverted themselves from the attractions of this world. (ath-thawiya as-sakinah) "الثّاوِيَ السَّاكِنَ" refers to the one who is living in luxury and comfort, while (al-mutraf al-aminah) "المُتْرَفَ الآمِنَ" refers to the one who feels secure and at ease.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. Just like a plant that withers away after its initial growth, the allure of this world fades away, leaving behind nothing but debris. The pursuit of wealth, luxury, and security can blind us to the true purpose of our existence and divert us from the path of righteousness.

Another verse that resonates with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. While we are encouraged to seek the rewards of the Hereafter, we must not neglect our duties in this world. However, it is crucial to maintain a detached perspective and not become ensnared by the allurements of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with this world. It urges us to adopt an attitude of detachment and indifference towards materialistic pursuits. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the transitory nature of worldly possessions and the potential harm they can cause.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It reminds us that true contentment and security lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than chasing after temporary worldly pleasures.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced and detached approach towards this world. By looking at the world with the same disinterest as those who have renounced it, we can protect ourselves from its fleeting nature and the potential harm it can cause. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek His pleasure above all else.