Hadith #3693

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "الدُّنْيا غَنيمَةُ الحَمْقى۔" This can be translated into English as,

This world is the prize of the unintelligent.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ghaneematu) "غَنيمَةُ" in the Hadith refers to a prize, a booty, or something acquired through victory. It implies that this world, with all its material possessions and worldly pleasures, is like a prize that is obtained by those who lack intelligence or wisdom. It highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the deceptive allure they hold for those who do not possess true understanding.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the temporary nature of this world and the importance of seeking the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 reminds us that the attractions of this world, such as wealth, status, and material possessions, are merely temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they ultimately fade away, leaving us empty-handed. The unintelligent are those who become engrossed in the pursuit of worldly gains, neglecting the true purpose of their existence and the everlasting rewards of the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transitory nature of worldly possessions. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and causes plants to grow, worldly possessions may bring temporary pleasure and prosperity. However, they eventually wither away, leaving behind nothing but dry remnants. The unintelligent are those who are deceived by the temporary allure of this world and fail to realize the true purpose of their existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and the hereafter over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. It urges us to seek knowledge and understanding, as it is through knowledge that we can distinguish between what is truly valuable and what is merely transient.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the true nature of this world and its deceptive allure. His statement serves as a profound reflection on the importance of seeking knowledge and using it to navigate through the trials and tribulations of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that this world, with all its material possessions and temporary pleasures, is like a prize obtained by those who lack intelligence or wisdom. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and use it to navigate through the transient nature of this world.