Hadith #4616

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtues of those who renounce worldly pleasures and strive for the rewards of the Hereafter. It describes them as individuals who have chosen a humble and simple way of life, symbolized by their relationship with the earth, the Qur'an, and supplication.

The Hadith begins by praising those who renounce worldly pleasures and desires in order to seek the bounties of the Hereafter. This renunciation is a sign of their detachment from the material world and their focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah. It is important to note that renouncing worldly pleasures does not mean completely abandoning them, but rather prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary joys of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then uses powerful imagery to illustrate the simplicity and humility of these individuals. He states that they have taken the earth as their carpet, its dust as their beds, and its water as their perfume. This imagery highlights their contentment with the basic necessities of life and their detachment from worldly luxuries. They find comfort and satisfaction in the simplest of things, recognizing that true happiness lies in spiritual fulfillment rather than material possessions.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions that these individuals consider the Qur'an as their inner garment and supplication as their outer garment. This signifies their deep connection with the teachings of the Qur'an and their constant reliance on supplication to Allah. The Qur'an serves as their source of guidance, providing them with spiritual nourishment and enlightenment. They adorn themselves with the teachings of the Qur'an, allowing it to shape their thoughts, actions, and character. Similarly, supplication becomes an integral part of their lives, as they constantly turn to Allah in prayer, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by stating that these individuals have subscribed themselves to the ways of the Messiah, Isa son of Maryam (‘a). This reference to Prophet Isa (Jesus) emphasizes the righteousness and piety of these individuals, as Prophet Isa (‘a) is known for his ascetic lifestyle and devotion to Allah. By following in his footsteps, they strive to embody the qualities of humility, selflessness, and devotion to Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further supported by several Quranic verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual provisions over material possessions, aligning with the message of renouncing worldly pleasures mentioned in the Hadith.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah 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.

This verse encourages Muslims to strive for the rewards of the Hereafter while still fulfilling their responsibilities in this world. It serves as a reminder that renouncing worldly pleasures does not mean neglecting our duties and obligations, but rather striking a balance between the two.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtues of those who renounce worldly pleasures and prioritize the rewards of the Hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of simplicity, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment in leading a righteous and meaningful life. By taking the earth as their carpet, the dust as their beds, and the Qur'an and supplication as their garments, these individuals exemplify the qualities of humility, detachment, and devotion to Allah. May we all strive to embody these virtues and seek the eternal rewards promised by Allah.