Hadith #3665

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reflection on the transient nature of this world and the detachment that a believer should have towards it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) addressing the world, saying

O world, O world!

This repetition emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of his message. The word "world" in Arabic is (دُنْيَا) "dunya", which refers to the temporal and material aspects of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then expresses his detachment from the world, saying

Get away from me!

The word used here for "get away" is (تَعَرَّضْتِ) "ta'arraf", which implies a deliberate distancing and rejection.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) questions whether it is him that the world presents itself to, or if it is he who is eager for the world. This highlights the deceptive nature of the world, which often entices individuals with its allure and temptations. The word used for "eager" is (تَشَوَّقْتِ) "tashawwqat", indicating a strong desire or longing.

The Imam then expresses his disdain for the world, saying

May your time never come!

This phrase signifies his rejection of the world's influence and his wish for its insignificance to persist. He advises the world to deceive someone else, as he has no need for it. This emphasizes his detachment and disinterest in the material possessions and pleasures that the world offers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes his detachment by stating that he has divorced the world thrice, with no possibility of reunion. This divorce symbolizes his complete separation from the worldly desires and attachments. It highlights the finality of his decision to detach himself from the transient nature of this world.

The Imam then describes the insignificance and transience of the world. He states that its life is short, indicating the fleeting nature of worldly existence. The word used for "short" is (قَصِيرٌ) "qasir", which signifies brevity and impermanence. He also describes the world's significance as little, highlighting its lack of true value and importance. Furthermore, he refers to the hope placed in the world as worthless, emphasizing the futility of relying on worldly possessions and achievements.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by expressing his lamentation over the scarcity of provisions, the length of the journey, the distance of the travel, and the greatness of the destination. This serves as a reminder of the challenges and trials that one may encounter in the pursuit of worldly gains, as well as the ultimate destination of the Hereafter, which holds far greater significance and permanence.

This profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and the attainment of closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than being consumed by worldly desires and pursuits.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the need for believers to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Another verse that aligns with the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

This verse serves as a reminder that excessive preoccupation with worldly gains can distract individuals from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound reflection on the transient nature of this world and the importance of detachment from its materialistic allure. By highlighting the insignificance and brevity of worldly pursuits, the Imam encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over worldly desires. May we all strive to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and seek the eternal pleasure of our Creator.