Hadith #10453

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) is a thought-provoking saying that invites us to reflect upon the nature of this world and our attachment to it. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (himself) "نَفْسَهُ", (feel at ease) "يَأْنَسُ", and (temporary abode) "دَارِ الْفَنَاءِ".

The word "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self, one's own being, and one's own essence. It signifies self-awareness and introspection, recognizing the true nature of oneself. It is a call to self-reflection and self-knowledge, a reminder to understand our own strengths, weaknesses, and purpose in life.

The phrase "يَأْنَسُ بِدَارِ الْفَنَاءِ" can be translated as

feel at ease in the temporary abode.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is expressing his astonishment at those who are aware of their own transient existence in this world, yet still find comfort and contentment in it. He questions how one can be at ease in a place that is inherently temporary and fleeting.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 temporary nature of worldly life and its deceptive allure. It describes how people engage in various pursuits, such as wealth, status, and material possessions, seeking fulfillment and contentment. However, just like a plant that withers and turns to debris, the pleasures of this world are transient and ultimately fade away.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 certainty of death and the reality that our true compensation and eternal abode lies in the Hereafter. It reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are illusory and deceptive, distracting us from the ultimate purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazement at those who are attached to this temporary abode serves as a wake-up call for us as Muslims. It urges us to reflect on our priorities and the true purpose of our lives. Are we too engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, neglecting our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter?

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement challenges us to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. It encourages us to seek contentment and fulfillment in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the temporary nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter. It calls us to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and seek contentment in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to attain self-awareness and find solace in the eternal abode of the Hereafter.