Hadith #2718

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) highlights the importance of wisdom and its adornment, which is found in being uninterested in the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its connotation and significance.

The word (zayn) "زَيْنُ" in Arabic means adornment or embellishment. It refers to something that enhances the beauty or value of a person or thing. In this context, it signifies the enhancement of wisdom. Wisdom is a precious attribute that encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality that is highly valued in Islam and is often associated with the Prophets and the righteous.

The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةِ" means wisdom. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the importance of wisdom in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is a source of great good and guidance in one's life.

The word (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" means being uninterested or detached from the materialistic pleasures and attractions of this world. It implies a state of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions, status, and desires. Zuhd does not mean renouncing the world completely, but rather having a balanced approach and not being consumed by worldly pursuits.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wisdom is not merely acquiring knowledge or making intellectual judgments, but it is also reflected in one's attitude towards the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. It is about recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us in the Quran about the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

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 the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and urges us to focus on the everlasting rewards of the hereafter.

When we adorn our wisdom with the quality of zuhd, we become less attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. This detachment allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the things that truly matter in the sight of Allah. It helps us maintain a balanced perspective and prevents us from being consumed by the pursuit of wealth, power, and worldly desires.

The practice of zuhd has numerous benefits for a Muslim. It helps us develop a sense of contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It frees us from the constant desire for more and allows us to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Zuhd also protects us from the negative consequences of materialism, such as greed, envy, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

Moreover, zuhd enables us to use our resources and abilities in a responsible and beneficial manner. It encourages us to engage in acts of charity, kindness, and social justice, as we recognize that our true worth lies in the service of others and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wisdom is not limited to intellectual knowledge but encompasses a holistic approach to life. It emphasizes the importance of adorning our wisdom with the quality of zuhd, which entails being uninterested in the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. By practicing zuhd, we can attain a balanced and contented state, prioritize our spiritual growth, and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to adorn our lives with zuhd and guide us on the path of righteousness.