Hadith #3654

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightens us about the true nature and purpose of this worldly life. He begins by stating that this world was not created by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as a permanent abode or a place for us to settle down. Rather, it has been designed as a transient abode, a passage for us to traverse in order to acquire the provisions of good deeds for the eternal abode, the hereafter.

The Imam's words emphasize the temporary nature of this world and the importance of recognizing its true purpose. It serves as a means for us to gather the provisions of righteous actions that will benefit us in the everlasting abode of the hereafter. This understanding aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45):

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

This verse emphasizes that the true value lies not in worldly possessions or temporary pleasures, but in the enduring good deeds that we accumulate. These good deeds are what will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the abode of eternal settlement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to be vigilant and not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world. It is easy to become enamored by the allure of worldly possessions, fame, and power, but these are merely transient and illusory. The Quran warns us about the deceptive nature of worldly temptations 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.

This verse reminds us that the attractions of this world are merely distractions that divert us from our true purpose. They are like fleeting amusements that do not hold any lasting value. Therefore, we must not let these temporary pleasures beguile us and distract us from our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against being deceived by the trials and tribulations that may arise in this world. The Quran acknowledges the existence of fitnah (trials and tribulations) in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155):

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

These trials and tribulations are a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to gauge our faith and resilience. We must not let these challenges deter us from our path of righteousness and distract us from our ultimate goal. Instead, we should remain steadfast and patient, seeking solace and guidance from the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the enlightening words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith serve as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims. This world is not our permanent abode, but a temporary passage for us to gather the provisions of good deeds. We must remain vigilant, not allowing the temporary pleasures of this world to deceive us or its trials and tribulations to distract us. Instead, we should focus on accumulating enduring good deeds that will secure our place in the eternal abode of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to understand and act upon this profound guidance.