Hadith #3716

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder about the nature of this world. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith and explore its deeper implications in light of the Quran.

The word (dunya) "دُنْيَا" in Arabic refers to the temporal world, the material realm in which we currently reside. It is a place of trials and tribulations, a transient abode that is not meant to be our ultimate destination. The word (sharak) "شَرَكٌ" means a trap or snare, something that ensnares and deceives. And the phrase (man la ya'rifuhu) "مَنْ لا يَعْرِفُهُ" translates to

those who do not recognize it.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of the worldly life and the distractions it presents. It highlights how people become engrossed in the pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly pleasures, losing sight of the true purpose of their existence. The allure of this world can blind individuals to the reality of its temporary nature and the importance of preparing for the eternal life to come.

Another verse that resonates with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

This worldly life is only amusement and diversion. But the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah. So will you not reason?

This verse reinforces the idea that the pleasures and distractions of this world are fleeting and insignificant in comparison to the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. It calls upon believers to use their intellect and reason to recognize the true value of the eternal abode and to prioritize their actions accordingly.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. He reminds us that this world is a trap, a snare that can lead us astray if we fail to recognize its true nature. Just as a trap ensnares its prey, the allurements and distractions of this world can trap us in a cycle of materialism, heedlessness, and forgetfulness of our ultimate purpose.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a wake-up call, urging us to be vigilant and aware of the traps that this world presents. By recognizing the transience and insignificance of worldly pursuits, we can guard ourselves against falling into the snare of materialism and heedlessness.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and to strive for a balanced approach to this world. It does not advocate complete detachment from worldly affairs, but rather emphasizes the importance of recognizing the temporary nature of this life and aligning our actions with the pursuit of the eternal Hereafter.

By understanding the true nature of this world, we can resist the temptations and distractions it offers. We can strive to fulfill our responsibilities and engage in worldly pursuits while keeping our hearts firmly rooted in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder about the transient nature of this world and the traps it presents. It calls upon us to recognize the true value of the eternal Hereafter and to prioritize our actions accordingly. By being mindful of the temporary nature of this life, we can navigate its challenges and distractions with wisdom and purpose. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize the true nature of this world and to strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.