Hadith #3642

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) highlights one of the inherent characteristics of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the world as a place of constant change and instability. It is a realm where nothing remains in its original state, and it is always susceptible to alteration and transformation. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not to place excessive trust and reliance on the transient nature of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one part of the world is rectified by the corruption of another part. This means that the world operates in a way where one aspect may seem to improve or benefit, but it does so at the expense of another aspect. This imbalance and trade-off between different elements of the world can lead to a cycle of corruption and injustice. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be aware of the consequences of their actions and strive for justice and balance in all aspects of life.

The Imam further emphasizes that being in this world is a danger and trusting it is a risk. This highlights the transient and unreliable nature of worldly affairs. The world is filled with uncertainties, temptations, and distractions that can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. Muslims are reminded to be cautious and not to become too attached to the materialistic aspects of this world, as they are temporary and fleeting.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also states that remaining in this world permanently is impossible. This highlights the temporary nature of human existence and the inevitability of death. No matter how much wealth, power, or success one may accumulate in this world, it will ultimately come to an end. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to focus on the eternal life of the hereafter and to prioritize their actions and deeds accordingly.

Lastly, the Imam warns against relying solely on this world, as it is a source of misguidance. Placing excessive trust and reliance on worldly possessions, achievements, or relationships can lead individuals away from the path of righteousness and spiritual growth. Muslims are reminded to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure (for the believers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), 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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not to place excessive trust and reliance on the transient nature of this world. It highlights the constant change and instability of worldly affairs and warns against becoming too attached to the materialistic aspects of life. Muslims are reminded to prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to focus on the eternal life of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate this world with righteousness and piety.