Hadith #3751

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The good of this world is insignificant and its evil is ready at hand.

Let us delve into the meaning and significance of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" in Arabic refers to goodness, while (zahid) "زَهِيدٌ" means insignificant or meager. This implies that the good of this world, in comparison to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, holds little value. It reminds us that worldly possessions and pleasures are transient and fleeting, and should not distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges the desire for goodness in this world, but also emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in the Hereafter. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who reminds us that the true value lies in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

Furthermore, the word (sharruha) "شَرُّهَا" in the Hadith refers to evil, while (atiid) "عَتِيدٌ" means ready at hand or easily accessible. This highlights the inherent dangers and temptations that exist in this world, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and vigilant in our actions, as the potential for evil is ever-present.

The Quran also emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the potential for evil within them. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that material wealth and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments, while the lasting value lies in the good deeds that we accumulate for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It echoes the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), emphasizing the insignificance of worldly possessions in comparison to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. We should not be consumed by the pursuit of worldly gains, but instead focus on accumulating good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This does not mean that we should completely detach ourselves from the world, but rather maintain a balanced approach, using the resources and blessings bestowed upon us to benefit ourselves and others in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world. It urges us to be cautious of the potential evils that exist in the world and to focus on accumulating good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with these teachings.