Hadith #3748

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and detachment from the materialistic aspects of this world. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first word of significance in this Hadith is (wage war) "حارِبُوا". This word implies a struggle or a battle against one's own desires and inclinations. It signifies the need for Muslims to exert effort and strive against the temptations and distractions of this world. This struggle is not physical, but rather a spiritual and mental battle to maintain focus on the eternal life and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The next important word is (yourselves) "أنْفُسَكُمْ". Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to wage war against their own selves, their ego, and their desires. This highlights the significance of self-control and self-discipline in the pursuit of righteousness. It reminds us that the greatest enemy we face is often within ourselves, and it is our duty to conquer it.

The Hadith then advises us to (for [keeping away from] this world) "عَلَى الدُّنيا". Here, the term "دُّنيا" refers to the materialistic aspects of life, the temporary and fleeting pleasures that distract us from our ultimate purpose. The Hadith encourages us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions, status, and desires. It reminds us that our focus should be on the hereafter and the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. 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 ayah beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the need to prioritize the eternal life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

The consequences of not heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith are dire. The Hadith states that this world

vanishes quickly, quakes frequently, and transfers soon.

This serves as a reminder of the impermanence and instability of worldly possessions and pleasures. Just as earthquakes shake the foundations of buildings, the transient nature of this world can cause upheaval and instability in our lives if we become too attached to it. Moreover, the Hadith warns that this world transfers soon, indicating that our time in this world is limited and that we must prepare for the everlasting life to come.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and detachment from the materialistic aspects of this world. By waging war against our own desires and turning away from the distractions of this world, we can attain spiritual growth and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We must remember that this world is temporary and fleeting, and our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the everlasting life in the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to wage war against our own selves and detach ourselves from the allure of this world. May He help us prioritize the eternal life and grant us success in the hereafter. Ameen.