Hadith #11449

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 root of indifference towards worldly pleasures is certitude, and its fruit is felicity.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "zuhd" in Arabic refers to indifference towards worldly pleasures and detachment from material possessions. It is a state of contentment and moderation, where one does not become overly attached to the transient pleasures of this world. The word "yaqeen" means certitude or absolute conviction. It is a state of unwavering faith and belief in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith teaches us that the foundation of zuhd lies in having firm conviction in the reality of the unseen, in the existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the Day of Judgment. When one truly believes in the eternal nature of the hereafter and the temporary nature of this world, they are able to detach themselves from worldly desires and prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of zuhd and the importance of certitude. In Surah Al-Hadeed, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and emphasizes the need to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. When one truly internalizes this reality, they are able to detach themselves from the allure of material possessions and find contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the concept of zuhd is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that the love and attachment to worldly possessions can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). True felicity lies not in accumulating wealth and material possessions, but in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the fruit of zuhd is felicity. When one is detached from the material world and prioritizes their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they experience true happiness and contentment. This is because their focus is on the eternal rewards of the hereafter, rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of zuhd and certitude in our spiritual journey. By having firm conviction in the reality of the unseen and detaching ourselves from worldly desires, we can attain true felicity and find contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to prioritize our relationship with Him and seek His pleasure above all else.