Hadith #3703

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is a poison that is ingested by the one who does not know it.

This impactful Hadith highlights the deceptive nature of worldly desires and the importance of recognizing their true nature.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (dunya) "دُنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic realm that we inhabit. It encompasses everything that is transient and perishable. The word (sam) "سَمٌّ" means poison, a substance that is harmful and destructive when consumed. And the word (akiluhu) "اكِلُهُ" translates to "ingested" or "consumed."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deceptive nature of the worldly life in several verses. 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 that the worldly life is transient and fleeting, like a passing amusement or a fading adornment. It may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately it withers away, leaving behind nothing but debris. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah reminds us,

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.

These verses highlight the temporal nature of the worldly life and its deceptive allure. It is like a mirage that promises fulfillment and happiness but ultimately leaves us empty-handed. The pursuit of worldly desires can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and distract us from our ultimate purpose, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that those who are unaware of the true nature of this world, who are consumed by its temptations and desires, are like someone ingesting poison. Just as poison harms and destroys the physical body, indulging excessively in worldly pursuits can harm our spiritual well-being and distance us from Allah.

The consequences of being unaware of the true nature of this world are manifold. It can lead to a neglect of our spiritual development, a preoccupation with materialistic pursuits, and a loss of focus on the Hereafter. We may become attached to worldly possessions, status, and pleasures, forgetting that they are temporary and will not accompany us in the grave.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the true nature of the world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep knowledge and wisdom, and his words serve as a guide for us to navigate the challenges of this worldly life.

As Muslims, we should strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. We should be mindful of the transient nature of this world and prioritize our eternal life in the Hereafter. By seeking knowledge, practicing moderation, and constantly reminding ourselves of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, we can protect ourselves from being consumed by the poison of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we strive to seek His pleasure and prioritize the eternal over the temporary. Ameen.