Hadith #3813

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

All the circumstances of this world change abruptly and its ownership is taken away and transferred [to others].

This Hadith highlights the transient nature of the world and the constant changes that occur within it. Let us delve deeper into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahwal) "أحوال" in the Hadith refers to the various states, conditions, or circumstances of this world. It encompasses the ever-changing nature of life, including its joys, sorrows, successes, and failures. The word (zalzal) "زَلْزَالٌ" means a sudden and violent shaking or upheaval. It signifies the unpredictable nature of the world and how it can be disrupted at any moment.

The phrase (wa milkuha salabun wa intiqal) "ومِلْكُها سَلَبٌ وانْتِقَالٌ" translates to

its ownership is taken away and transferred [to others].

This highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and how they can easily be lost or transferred to someone else. It serves as a reminder that material wealth and power are fleeting and temporary.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and possessions. It compares the allure of this world to a fleeting rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Another verse that aligns with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and the true reward for our actions will be given on the Day of Resurrection. It highlights the fleeting nature of worldly life and urges us to focus on the eternal life to come.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that the world is a temporary abode, and its circumstances are subject to constant change. The ownership of worldly possessions can easily shift from one person to another. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and focus on the pursuit of eternal rewards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) shared this wisdom to guide us towards a deeper understanding of the transient nature of worldly affairs. By recognizing the impermanence of the world, we can prioritize our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the everlasting life in the Hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we strive to detach ourselves from the temporary allure of worldly possessions and focus on the pursuit of eternal rewards. Ameen.