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زُهْدُ المَرْءِ فيما يَفْنى على قَدْرِ يَقينِهِ بِما يَبْقى۔

A person’s renunciation of that which perishes is proportionate to his certainty about that which is everlasting.

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A person’s renunciation of that which perishes is proportionate to his...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Renunciation Of Worldly Pleasures)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

زُهْدُ المَرْءِ فيما يَفْنى على قَدْرِ يَقينِهِ بِما يَبْقى۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

A person’s renunciation of that which perishes is proportionate to his certainty about that which is everlasting.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (zuhd) "زُهْدُ" refers to the act of renouncing or detaching oneself from worldly possessions and desires. It is a state of contentment and detachment from materialistic pursuits. The word (mar'i) "مَرْءِ" refers to an individual or a person. (yafni) "يَفْنى" means that which perishes or fades away, referring to the transient nature of worldly possessions and desires. (qadr) "قَدْرِ" signifies the extent or proportion of something. (yaqinihi) "يَقينِهِ" refers to one's certainty or conviction. And finally, (ma yabqa) "مَا يَبْقَى" denotes that which remains or endures.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. It reminds us that material possessions and desires are temporary and will eventually perish. Therefore, the true believer should detach themselves from the allure of this world and prioritize their certainty in the eternal life to come.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. So will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and beauties of this world are temporary, while the rewards and blessings with Allah are far superior and everlasting. It urges us to reflect and use our intellect to recognize the true value of worldly possessions in comparison to the eternal treasures that await us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their certainty in the everlasting life over the transient nature of worldly pursuits. It teaches us that the level of detachment from worldly possessions is directly proportional to one's conviction in the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The more certain one is about the everlasting life, the more they will renounce the perishable pleasures of this world.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own lives and assess the extent to which we prioritize the eternal over the temporary. It motivates us to seek knowledge and deepen our understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad () and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we can strengthen our certainty in the Hereafter and detach ourselves from the materialistic distractions that hinder our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of zuhd, or renunciation of worldly desires, in proportion to our certainty in the everlasting life. It urges us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and to seek knowledge and understanding to strengthen our conviction. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the transitory pleasures of this world and to focus on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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