Hadith #4615

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

كُنْ زاهِداً فيما يَرْغَبُ فيهِ الجَهُولُ۔

This can be translated as,

Be one who renounces that which the ignorant ones desire.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires and worldly pursuits that the ignorant people are inclined towards.

To understand the depth and significance of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term (zahidan) "زاهِداً" refers to someone who renounces or abstains from worldly desires. It signifies a state of contentment and detachment from the materialistic aspects of life. The word (yarghabu) "يَرْغَبُ" means to desire or covet something. And (al-jahool) "الجَهُولُ" refers to the ignorant ones, those who lack knowledge and understanding.

This hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly desires and the pursuit of knowledge. 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. 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 ayah highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. It reminds us that the desires and attractions of this world are transient and illusory. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be zahid, to renounce these fleeting desires, and instead seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 ayah emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between the pursuit of the Hereafter and fulfilling our worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to utilize the blessings and provisions bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the betterment of ourselves and society, while also reminding us not to become engrossed in worldly corruption and materialistic desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and knowledge over the transient attractions of this world. By renouncing the desires that the ignorant ones are inclined towards, we can cultivate a state of contentment, detachment, and focus on the true purpose of our existence.

This hadith encourages us to seek knowledge, as it is through knowledge that we can distinguish between what is beneficial and what is detrimental for our spiritual well-being. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire us today.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be zahid, to renounce the desires of the ignorant ones, and to prioritize our spiritual growth and knowledge over worldly pursuits. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the transient nature of this world and the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal life of the Hereafter. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain true contentment and enlightenment in this life and the next.