Hadith #3848

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَعَدَ عَنِ الدُّنيا طَلَبَتْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who holds back from this world is sought by it.

To understand the significance behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (qa'ada) "قَعَدَ" means to sit or stay. In this context, it refers to abstaining or refraining from indulging in the materialistic pursuits of this world. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound truth about the nature of this world. He is emphasizing that when a person chooses to detach themselves from the allurements and distractions of worldly desires, the world itself begins to seek them out. This means that by prioritizing the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness over worldly pursuits, one gains a higher status and becomes sought after by the world.

This concept finds resonance in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while still fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations in this world. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life. By focusing on the Hereafter and performing righteous deeds, one can attain success in both worlds.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. 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 reminds us that the attractions and pleasures of this world are temporary and illusory. It warns against becoming too attached to worldly possessions and pursuits, as they can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures, we can detach ourselves from them and focus on seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and righteousness over the fleeting pleasures of this world. By holding back from the distractions and temptations of worldly desires, one can elevate their status and become sought after by the world itself. This does not mean completely renouncing the world, but rather striking a balance between fulfilling our worldly responsibilities and seeking the rewards of the Hereafter.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world, we gain clarity of purpose and focus on what truly matters. We become seekers of knowledge, seekers of truth, seekers of justice, and seekers of the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our actions become motivated by a higher purpose, and we are no longer swayed by the transient allurements of this world.

The consequences of adopting this mindset are profound. By seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prioritizing the Hereafter, we attain inner peace, contentment, and fulfillment. We become examples for others to follow, inspiring them to also detach themselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world. Our actions become a means of spreading goodness and righteousness in society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and righteousness over the fleeting pleasures of this world. By holding back from the distractions and temptations of worldly desires, one gains a higher status and becomes sought after by the world itself. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. By adopting this mindset, we attain inner peace, contentment, and become beacons of guidance for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.