Hadith #4622

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الرَّاحَةُ فيِ الزُّهدِ" which translates to

Repose is in renouncing worldly pleasures.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of detaching oneself from the materialistic aspects of this world in order to attain true peace and tranquility.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Repose" refers to a state of calmness, tranquility, and inner peace. It is a state of contentment and satisfaction that comes from being detached from the distractions and temptations of the material world. "Renouncing" signifies the act of willingly giving up or abstaining from something. In this context, it refers to voluntarily letting go of the desires and attachments to worldly pleasures. "Worldly pleasures" encompass the material possessions, wealth, power, and other temporary delights that often distract us from our spiritual journey and purpose in life.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It implies that true repose lies in striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than being solely preoccupied with worldly pleasures.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting. The true and everlasting blessings are with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is through recognizing this reality that we can find true repose.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over worldly desires. By renouncing the attachment to materialistic pleasures, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of temporary satisfaction and find solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This renunciation allows us to focus on the true purpose of our existence, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we detach ourselves from the material world, we become less influenced by its allurements and distractions. This detachment enables us to develop a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His guidance. It allows us to prioritize our actions based on the principles and values prescribed by Islam, rather than being swayed by the ever-changing trends and desires of society.

Renouncing worldly pleasures does not mean completely abandoning our responsibilities or living an ascetic life. Rather, it means recognizing that the pursuit of material wealth and pleasures should not be our ultimate goal. Instead, our focus should be on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Repose is in renouncing worldly pleasures

serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over the temporary allurements of this world. By detaching ourselves from materialistic desires and focusing on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true peace and tranquility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to renounce worldly pleasures for the sake of our eternal repose.