Hadith #9609

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) states,

The succession of days are [like] dreams, their pleasures are [causes of] agonies and their gifts are [fraught with] evanescence and maladies.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly life and the inherent challenges and trials that come with it.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (kurur) "كُرُورُ" refers to the succession or passing of days, emphasizing the constant change and fleeting nature of time. (ahlam) "أحْلامٌ" means dreams, symbolizing the temporary and illusory nature of worldly existence. (ladhdhatuha) "لَذّاتُها" refers to the pleasures and delights of this world, which may seem appealing but ultimately lead to agony and suffering. (alam) "آلامٌ" signifies the pains and hardships that accompany the pursuit of worldly pleasures. (mawahib) "مَواهِبُها" refers to the gifts and blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, which are transient and subject to decay and loss. Finally, (fana'un wa asqam) "فَناءٌ وأسْقامٌ" represents the evanescence and maladies that are inherent in the material world.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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.

This verse beautifully echoes the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the temporary nature of material possessions. The Quranic analogy of rain and plant growth highlights how the allure of worldly pursuits can quickly fade away, leaving behind nothing but debris.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 true compensation and reward will only be granted in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as the "enjoyment of delusion," emphasizing its illusory and deceptive nature.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal and everlasting over the temporary and transient. It urges us to reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the inherent challenges and trials that accompany them. By recognizing the impermanence of this world, we are encouraged to focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth, righteousness, and the attainment of the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly pleasures can often lead to suffering and agony. The pursuit of material possessions, wealth, and status can consume individuals and divert their attention from the true purpose of life. It is through detachment from the material world and the cultivation of contentment and gratitude that Muslims can find true peace and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of worldly life and the inherent challenges and trials that come with it. By prioritizing the eternal and everlasting, Muslims can find true peace and fulfillment in the pursuit of spiritual growth and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.