Hadith #4599

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ظَلَفُ النَّفْسِ عَنْ لَذَّاتِ الدُّنيا هُوَ الزُّهْدُ المَحْمُودُ۔

This can be translated as:

Restraining the soul from the pleasures of this world is the praiseworthy asceticism.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (zalafu) "ظَلَفُ" means to restrain or hold back. It implies controlling one's desires and urges. The term (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or the self. It encompasses the innermost desires, inclinations, and impulses of a person. (ladhāt ad-dunyā) "لَذَّاتِ الدُّنيا" refers to the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life. And finally, (az-zuhd al-mahmood) "الزُّهْدُ المَحْمُودُ" means praiseworthy asceticism, which is the act of voluntarily abstaining from worldly pleasures for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of restraining the soul from the pleasures of this world, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:18),

Whoever desires the immediate, We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly desires and warns against being consumed by them. By restraining our souls from these temporary pleasures, we protect ourselves from the consequences of indulgence and the potential punishment in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the delusion they create. It reminds us that true fulfillment and eternal rewards lie in the Hereafter, not in the transient attractions of this world.

The exegesis of this Hadith by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to practice self-restraint and moderation in their pursuit of worldly pleasures. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the attainment of eternal rewards over temporary gratification. By restraining our souls from the allurements of this world, we develop a sense of detachment and contentment, which allows us to focus on our ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to detach himself from worldly desires and dedicate his life to the service of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the betterment of society. He demonstrated the praiseworthy asceticism by living a simple and humble life, despite his position of power and authority.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining our souls from the pleasures of this world. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prioritizing our spiritual growth over temporary gratification. By practicing praiseworthy asceticism, we can attain a sense of contentment, detachment, and ultimately, the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to restrain our souls and seek His pleasure.