Hadith #3664

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the people of delusion, those who have been deceived by the allurements and temptations of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by questioning their attachment to an abode, a dwelling place, that holds little goodness and abundant evil. He describes this abode as having its bounties snatched away, its peaceful inhabitants fought against, its owners reduced to slaves, and its heritage abandoned.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we must delve into the meanings of its key words. The word "ghurur" refers to delusion or deception, indicating the state of being misled or fooled by the temporary attractions of this world. The term "al-hajakum" means attachment or inclination, highlighting the strong hold that this abode has on the hearts and minds of those who are deluded.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns the Muslims about the transient nature of this worldly life, emphasizing that its goodness is trifling and fleeting. The allurements and pleasures of this world may seem enticing, but they are ultimately temporary and insignificant when compared to the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further highlights the evil that is readily available in this abode. The world is filled with trials, tribulations, and temptations that can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran:

(Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

The bounties of this world, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, are snatched away. This refers to the temporary nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. Material wealth, beauty, and power are all fleeting and can be taken away at any moment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 76:2-3)

Indeed, We have created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

The peaceful inhabitants of this abode, those who seek tranquility and contentment, are fought against. This refers to the struggles and challenges faced by those who strive to live a righteous life in this world. The believers are often faced with opposition, persecution, and trials for their faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 29:2)

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

The owners of this abode, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, are reduced to slaves. This refers to the fact that those who are attached to this world become enslaved by their desires, possessions, and worldly pursuits. They become captives to their own materialistic inclinations, losing sight of the true purpose of their existence. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran:

(Quran 51:56)

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

Finally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the heritage of this abode is abandoned. This refers to the fact that the worldly possessions and achievements that one accumulates in this life will be left behind upon death. The true inheritance that one should strive for is the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 42:36)

But what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the allurements and temptations of this worldly life. It emphasizes the transient nature of this abode and the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our spiritual journey and seek His pleasure above all else.