Hadith #3824

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be among those who possess two important qualities. Firstly, we are encouraged to recognize the transience and fleeting nature of this worldly life. This recognition should lead us to renounce the materialistic pursuits and attachments of this world. Secondly, we are urged to have knowledge and awareness of the eternal nature of the Hereafter. This knowledge should motivate us to work diligently and sincerely towards attaining success in the Hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith and explore their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" in the hadith means to recognize or acknowledge. It implies having a deep understanding and realization of the temporary nature of this world. 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.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary phase, filled with distractions and fleeting pleasures. Recognizing this reality helps us detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that often consume our time and energy.

The word (fazahida) "فَزَهِدَ" in the hadith means to renounce or abstain from something. It signifies a deliberate choice to detach oneself from the allurements and temptations of this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in the Quran:

(Quran 25:27-30)

And [remember] the Day when the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.' And the Messenger has said, 'O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned.'

This verse highlights the regret of those who were led astray by their worldly desires and attachments. By renouncing the materialistic pursuits of this world, we protect ourselves from being misguided and losing sight of our ultimate purpose.

The word (alima) "عَلِمَ" in the hadith means to have knowledge or awareness. It signifies a deep understanding of the eternal nature of the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 93:4-5)

Indeed, the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

This verse emphasizes that the Hereafter is far superior to the worldly life. Having knowledge of this reality helps us prioritize our actions and invest our time and efforts in deeds that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

The word (amila) "عَمِلَ" in the hadith means to work or act. It implies taking practical steps and engaging in righteous deeds that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 29:7)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights the importance of combining faith with righteous actions. Our knowledge of the Hereafter should motivate us to engage in acts of worship, kindness, and justice, knowing that our deeds will be rewarded in the eternal life.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to recognize the transient nature of this world and to renounce its materialistic pursuits. Simultaneously, we are urged to have knowledge and awareness of the eternal nature of the Hereafter, which should motivate us to work diligently and sincerely towards attaining success in the Hereafter. By embodying these qualities, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing our place in the everlasting abode. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.