Hadith #3673

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الدُّنْيا فانِيَةٌ۔" This can be translated as

This world is transient.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (dunya) "دُّنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm in which we currently reside. It encompasses everything that is tangible and transient, including wealth, possessions, and worldly desires. The word (faniyah) "فانِيَةٌ" means perishable or fleeting. It emphasizes the impermanence and transitory nature of this world.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of the transient nature of this world. 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 temporary nature of worldly pursuits and pleasures. It compares the life of this world to a rain that brings forth lush vegetation, but eventually withers away and turns into scattered debris. Similarly, the attractions and allurements of this world may seem appealing and fulfilling, but they are ultimately fleeting and deceptive.

Another verse that reinforces the concept of the transient nature of this world is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and the true reward and recompense for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. It emphasizes that the pleasures and attractions of this world are illusory and deceptive, leading us away from the ultimate reality and purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's statement,

This world is transient,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that often consume our thoughts and actions. By recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and desires, we can redirect our focus towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. His statement serves as a reflection of his profound wisdom and insight into the transient nature of this world. It is a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to prioritize their spiritual growth, seek knowledge, and engage in righteous actions that will benefit them in the eternal life to come.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the temporary nature of this world and guide us towards seeking His pleasure and preparing for the Hereafter. Ameen.