Hadith #4589

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) highlights the concept of renunciation of worldly pleasures. The word (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" in Arabic refers to the act of abstaining from worldly desires and attachments. It is a state of contentment and detachment from material possessions and worldly pursuits. The word (al-mafqooda) "المَفْقُودَ" means that which is absent or lost, while (al-mawjood) "المَوْجُودُ" refers to that which is present or available.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 transient nature of worldly possessions and the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. The pursuit of material wealth and desires can distract us from the ultimate purpose of our existence, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this by stating that we should not be preoccupied with seeking that which is absent or lost until that which is present and available perishes.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deception and transience of worldly possessions, saying,

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 reminds us that true success lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). While wealth and children may provide temporary pleasure and adornment in this worldly life, they are not the ultimate source of fulfillment and happiness. The renunciation of worldly pleasures, as highlighted in the Hadith, encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards and spiritual growth over temporary material gains.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the concept of renunciation of worldly pleasures throughout his life. Despite being the caliph and having access to wealth and power, he lived a simple and humble life, always prioritizing the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and the establishment of justice.

By practicing renunciation of worldly pleasures, we can detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on our spiritual development. This does not mean that we should completely abandon our responsibilities or neglect the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Rather, it means that we should not become overly attached to worldly possessions and desires, recognizing their temporary nature and prioritizing the pursuit of eternal rewards.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to practice renunciation of worldly pleasures. By not being preoccupied with seeking that which is absent or lost until that which is present and available perishes, we can redirect our focus towards the pursuit of eternal rewards and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek His pleasure above all else.