Hadith #4564

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الزُّهْدُ شِيمَةُ المُتَّقينْ، وسَجيَّةُ الأوَّابينَ

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly pleasures. It is the act of voluntarily abstaining from the materialistic aspects of life and focusing on the spiritual realm. (shimah) "شِيمَةُ" means attribute or characteristic, indicating that zuhd is a defining quality of the (al-muttaqeen) "المُتَّقِينْ", the God-wary individuals who fear Allah and strive to fulfill His commands. On the other hand, (sajiyyah) "سَجِيَّةُ" means quality or trait, highlighting that zuhd is also a quality of the (al-awwabeen) "الأوَّابِينَ", the repentant individuals who turn to Allah in sincere repentance.

To further comprehend the significance of zuhd, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse emphasizes that worldly possessions and relationships may seem appealing, but true success lies in performing righteous deeds that have lasting value in the sight of Allah.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse reminds us that the materialistic aspects of life are temporary and fleeting, merely a means of distraction and amusement. Therefore, zuhd encourages us to detach ourselves from these worldly pursuits and focus on the eternal realm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith highlights the importance of zuhd as a characteristic of the God-fearing and the repentant. The God-wary individuals recognize the transient nature of worldly pleasures and prioritize their relationship with Allah. They understand that true success lies in seeking His pleasure and striving for the hereafter. By renouncing worldly attachments, they are able to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid being consumed by materialism.

Similarly, the repentant individuals, the awwabeen, recognize their shortcomings and turn to Allah in sincere repentance. They understand that zuhd is a means of purifying their hearts and seeking forgiveness for their past transgressions. By detaching themselves from worldly distractions, they are able to focus on their spiritual growth and seek closeness to Allah.

The practice of zuhd has profound consequences in the life of a Muslim. It allows one to develop a strong connection with Allah, free from the distractions of worldly desires. It helps in cultivating humility, contentment, and gratitude, as one realizes that true fulfillment lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of His pleasure. Zuhd also serves as a protection against the temptations of this world, preventing one from falling into the traps of greed, envy, and materialism.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith, we are reminded of the importance of zuhd in our lives as Muslims. It is not about completely abandoning the world, but rather about maintaining a balanced approach and prioritizing our spiritual well-being. By practicing zuhd, we can navigate the challenges of this world with wisdom and righteousness, while keeping our hearts focused on the eternal rewards promised by Allah.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of zuhd, the renunciation of worldly pleasures, as a defining attribute of the God-fearing and the repentant. Through the guidance of the Quran, we understand that zuhd helps us maintain a balanced perspective, prioritize our relationship with Allah, and seek eternal success. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the spirit of zuhd in our lives.