Hadith #3834

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لِلْمُسْتَحْلي لَذَّةَ الدُّنيا غُصَّةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

For the one who finds delight in the pleasures of this world there is distress [and regret in the Hereafter].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word "مُسْتَحْلِي" refers to someone who indulges excessively in the permissible pleasures of this world. They seek gratification and satisfaction in worldly desires, without considering the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter. The word "لَذَّةَ" means delight or pleasure, and "الدُّنيا" refers to the transient and temporary world we live in. Finally, "غُصَّةٌ" can be translated as distress, anguish, or regret.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

This ayah highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. The pursuit of materialistic desires and the excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to a false sense of satisfaction and contentment. However, this satisfaction is short-lived, and it ultimately results in distress and regret in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This ayah emphasizes the transitory nature of worldly pleasures. Just as rain brings temporary growth to vegetation, the pleasures of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away. Those who indulge excessively in these pleasures without considering their spiritual growth and the consequences in the Hereafter will be left with nothing but regret and distress.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal pleasures of the Hereafter. It warns against becoming too attached to the temporary delights of this world, as they can distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead to regret and anguish in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance between enjoying the permissible pleasures of this world and prioritizing our spiritual development. We should not become slaves to our desires and materialistic pursuits, but rather use them as a means to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can avoid the distress and regret that result from excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we find true delight and contentment in seeking His pleasure and preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.