Hadith #10681

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 beautifully states,

People are children of this world, and a child is naturally inclined to love its mother.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (people) "نّاسُ" refers to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or social status. It encompasses the entire human race. The word (children) "أبْناءُ" signifies the inherent nature of human beings, their vulnerability, and their need for guidance and protection. It highlights the fact that we are all dependent on our Creator and in constant need of His mercy and guidance.

The phrase (this world) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal and materialistic aspects of our existence. It encompasses the worldly desires, attachments, and distractions that often divert us from our ultimate purpose in life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that as human beings, we are naturally inclined towards the attractions and pleasures of this world, just as a child is naturally inclined to love its mother.

To further understand the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:64),

And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them.

This verse highlights the temptations and distractions of this world that can lead people astray from the path of righteousness.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

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.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they bring, diverting us from our true purpose of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that just as a child is naturally inclined to love its mother, we, as human beings, are naturally inclined towards the attractions and pleasures of this world. However, it is crucial to recognize that our attachment to this world should not overshadow our love and devotion to our Creator. We must strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and ensure that their love for this world does not overshadow their love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It urges us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and the pursuit of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is guiding us to be mindful of our attachments and desires in this world. He encourages us to seek a balanced approach, where we fulfill our worldly responsibilities while keeping our hearts firmly attached to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on the attractions and distractions of this world. It urges us to prioritize our love and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over our attachment to worldly possessions and desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate through this world while keeping our hearts firmly attached to Him.