Hadith #3576

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,

اِرْفِضُوا هذِهِ الدُّنيا ذَميمةً، فَقَدْ رَفَضَتْ مَنْ كانَ أشْعَفَ بِها مِنْكُمْ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Reject this world as a dispraised thing, for it has rejected one who loves it more passionately than you.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (irfidu) "اِرْفِضُوا" means to reject or turn away from something. (hadhihi ad-dunya) "هذِهِ الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life, the materialistic aspects of this world. (dhamimah) "ذَميمةً" means dispraised or despised. (rafadat) "رَفَضَتْ" means to reject or abandon. (ash'afa) "أشْعَفَ" means to love passionately or to have intense affection for something.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the deceptive allure they hold. The world may entice us with its temporary pleasures, but it ultimately rejects those who become too attached to it. Just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to reject this world, Allah warns us in the Quran, (63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the true nature of this world. He recognized that it is a temporary abode, a place of trials and tests. Despite his immense love for Allah and his dedication to the path of righteousness, the world rejected him. This rejection was not a sign of weakness on Imam Ali's part, but rather a testament to his unwavering commitment to the truth and his detachment from worldly desires.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over worldly pursuits. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter. By rejecting the world, we free ourselves from its distractions and temptations, allowing us to dedicate our time and energy to seeking closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also remind us of the consequences of becoming too attached to this world. When we prioritize worldly desires over our spiritual growth, we risk losing sight of our true purpose in life. We may find ourselves chasing after temporary pleasures that bring no lasting fulfillment, while neglecting the development of our souls.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reject the materialistic aspects of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits and focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter, we can attain true success and fulfillment. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and detach ourselves from the dispraised aspects of this world, so that we may attain closeness to Allah and secure our place in the eternal abode of Paradise.