Hadith #3639

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound insight into the nature of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep wisdom and knowledge, describes the world using powerful metaphors to highlight its transient and deceptive nature.

The first metaphor used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is that the world is like the shadow of clouds. Just as a shadow is temporary and fleeting, the pleasures and material possessions of this world are also temporary and transient. They come and go, just like the passing clouds. This metaphor reminds us that we should not become attached to the material aspects of this world, as they are not lasting and will eventually fade away.

The second metaphor used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is that the world is like a dream that is seen while asleep. Dreams are illusions that we experience during sleep, and they are not a reflection of reality. Similarly, the attractions and desires of this world can often be illusory and deceptive. They may seem appealing and desirable, but they do not necessarily reflect the true nature of our existence. This metaphor serves as a reminder that we should not be deluded by the temporary pleasures of this world, but instead focus on the eternal realities of the hereafter.

The third metaphor used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is that the joy of this world is linked with sadness. This is a profound observation that highlights the inherent duality of worldly pleasures. Often, moments of joy and happiness are accompanied by moments of sadness and sorrow. This is a reminder that the pleasures of this world are not complete and can never bring lasting fulfillment. True and everlasting joy can only be found in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

The fourth metaphor used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is that the honey of this world is mixed with poison. Honey is sweet and enjoyable, but if it is contaminated with poison, it becomes harmful and dangerous. Similarly, the attractions and pleasures of this world may seem enticing, but if they are not pursued in accordance with the teachings of Islam, they can lead to spiritual harm and destruction. This metaphor serves as a warning against indulging in sinful and forbidden pleasures, as they can have detrimental consequences for our spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the world as the despoiler of bounties, the devourer of nations, and the bringer of divine retribution. This emphasizes the destructive nature of worldly pursuits when they are not aligned with the principles of righteousness and justice. The world has witnessed countless civilizations rise and fall, and history is a testament to the transitory nature of worldly power and wealth. The pursuit of worldly desires without a sense of responsibility and accountability can lead to the downfall of individuals and nations. It is a reminder that we should be mindful of our actions and strive to seek the pleasure of Allah rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can find several Quranic verses that emphasize the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. 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.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this 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.

These verses highlight the temporary nature of worldly life and emphasize the importance of focusing on the eternal realities of the hereafter. They serve as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly desires should not overshadow our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah and securing our place in the everlasting abode of Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound understanding of the transient and deceptive nature of this worldly life. Through powerful metaphors, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be mindful of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and to focus on the eternal realities of the hereafter. By reflecting on the teachings of this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we can strive to live a balanced and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the everlasting abode of Paradise. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.