Hadith #3696

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 pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is like the day that has passed and the month that has elapsed.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the important words in this Hadith. The word "dunya" refers to the temporal world, the material realm in which we currently reside. It is a transient abode, a passing phase in the grand scheme of existence. The word "yawm" means day, symbolizing a short period of time. And the word "shahr" means month, representing a slightly longer duration.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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 fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary pleasure they bring. Just as a plant grows after rain, giving joy to the farmers, it eventually withers and turns into scattered debris. Similarly, the pleasures and material possessions of this world may bring temporary satisfaction, but they are ultimately transient and perishable.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the reality that our true reward lies in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as the "enjoyment of delusion," highlighting its illusory nature. Just as a day or a month passes quickly, so too does our time in this world. It is a temporary phase, a fleeting moment in the eternal journey of the soul.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the impermanence of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal realm. It urges us to reflect on the brevity of our time in this world and to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly.

When we understand that this world is like a passing day or month, we are motivated to invest our time and efforts in actions that have lasting consequences. We are encouraged to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and strive for righteousness. We are reminded to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires that distract us from our ultimate purpose.

By recognizing the temporary nature of this world, we gain a deeper understanding of the value of our actions and the consequences they have in the Hereafter. We become more conscious of the choices we make and the impact they will have on our eternal destiny.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal realm over the transient pleasures of this world. It urges us to reflect on the brevity of our time here and to invest our efforts in actions that have lasting consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us towards actions that bring us closer to Him.