Hadith #4587

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الزُّهدُ قَصْرُ الأمَلِ" which translates to

Renunciation of worldly pleasures means shortening aspirations.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of zuhd, which refers to detachment from the material world and focusing on the eternal life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the important words used. The word (zuhd) "الزُّهدُ" refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly desires and pleasures. It implies not being attached to material possessions, wealth, and the transient pleasures of this world. The word (qasr) "قَصْرُ" means shortening or limiting, indicating that zuhd leads to curtailing one's aspirations and desires for worldly gains.

This Hadith is beautifully aligned with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and encourages believers to focus on the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah reminds us,

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to adopt a mindset of detachment from worldly desires and to limit their aspirations for material gains. This does not mean that we should completely abandon our responsibilities or live in poverty. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world.

By practicing zuhd, we learn to control our desires and avoid becoming slaves to our material possessions. This mindset allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and performing good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

When we detach ourselves from worldly aspirations, we become more content with what Allah has already blessed us with. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility, freeing us from the constant pursuit of material possessions that can never truly satisfy our souls.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true purpose of life is to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the eternal life. It encourages us to reflect on our aspirations and align them with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Renunciation of worldly pleasures means shortening aspirations

highlights the concept of zuhd and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. By practicing zuhd, we detach ourselves from worldly desires and focus on spiritual growth, seeking the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to adopt the mindset of zuhd and enable us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.