Hadith #10695

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أكْيَسُ النّاسِ مَنْ رَفَضَ دُنْياهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The most sagacious person is one who rejects [the pleasures of] his worldly life.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith. The word (akys) "أكْيَسُ" refers to the one who possesses wisdom, intelligence, and prudence. It signifies a person who is wise in their decisions and actions. The word (rafada) "رَفَضَ" means to reject or renounce. And (dunyahu) "دُنْياهُ" refers to the worldly life, encompassing its material possessions, desires, and distractions.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200:

And among the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants.

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing the pleasure of Allah over worldly pursuits. The sagacious person mentioned in the Hadith is one who recognizes the transient nature of worldly pleasures and willingly sacrifices them for the sake of attaining the eternal pleasure of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 emphasizes that the true value lies in the enduring good deeds that one performs, rather than the temporary adornments of wealth and worldly attachments. The sagacious person, as described in the Hadith, understands this reality and chooses to detach themselves from the allure of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness over the fleeting pleasures of this world. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions, and to constantly strive for a higher purpose in life.

By rejecting the desires and distractions of the worldly life, the sagacious person gains clarity of mind, focus, and a deeper connection with Allah. They are not swayed by the materialistic temptations that often lead people astray. Instead, they invest their time and energy in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

The consequences of embodying the wisdom contained in this Hadith are profound. By renouncing the pleasures of this world, one attains a sense of inner peace and tranquility. They become less attached to material possessions and more focused on the spiritual growth of their soul. This detachment allows them to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and contentment, knowing that their ultimate goal lies in the pleasure of Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His immense knowledge, piety, and selflessness serve as a shining example for Muslims of all generations. He was a true embodiment of the sagacious person described in the Hadith, as he willingly sacrificed his worldly comforts and desires for the sake of upholding justice and serving the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing the pleasure of Allah over the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to be wise in our choices and to detach ourselves from the distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. By embodying the qualities of the sagacious person, we can attain inner peace, contentment, and a closer relationship with our Creator. May Allah grant us the wisdom to follow this guidance and strive for excellence in both this world and the hereafter.