Hadith #3684

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) warns us about the foolishness of being dazzled by the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. The word (al-ightirar) "الإغتِرارُ" in Arabic refers to being dazzled, captivated, or deceived by something. It implies being so infatuated with the allure of worldly possessions, status, and material gains that one becomes blind to the true purpose of life and the eternal rewards that await in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this infatuation with the term (bil-'ajilah) "بِالعاجِلَةِ", which refers to the immediate, temporary, and transitory nature of worldly pleasures. It encompasses the pursuit of instant gratification, seeking immediate rewards, and prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life of the hereafter. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says:

(Quran 67:2)

[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse reminds us that this worldly life is a test, and the true measure of success lies in our righteous deeds and our commitment to pleasing Allah. The pursuit of worldly gains alone, without considering the consequences in the hereafter, is indeed a form of foolishness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah narrates the story of the man who was blessed with abundant wealth and resources, but failed to recognize the temporary nature of his possessions. Allah says:

(Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the wealth and possessions of this world will eventually fade away, just like the rainwater that nourishes the earth but eventually dries up. It emphasizes the importance of investing in the eternal rewards of the hereafter, rather than being captivated by the temporary allure of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of being dazzled by this world. When we become infatuated with material gains and prioritize them over our spiritual growth, we lose sight of our true purpose in life. We become blinded to the reality of the hereafter and the eternal rewards that await those who strive for righteousness.

This infatuation with worldly possessions leads to a distorted sense of pride and arrogance. We may start to believe that our wealth, status, and material possessions define our worth and superiority over others. This arrogance blinds us to the fact that true honor and superiority lie in piety and righteousness, as Allah says in the Quran:

(Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that being dazzled by this world and being proud because of it is nothing but stupidity. It is a foolish mindset that leads to spiritual bankruptcy and a loss of focus on the true purpose of our existence. Instead, we should strive to detach ourselves from the temporary allure of this world and prioritize our spiritual growth, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness over the pursuit of worldly gains. By doing so, we can attain true success and honor in the sight of Allah, and secure eternal rewards in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the right path and protect us from the distractions of this world.