Hadith #3571

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is a hindering deception, a vanishing mirage, and a bent pillar.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its wise message.

The word (ghurur) "غَرُورٌ" means deception or illusion. It refers to the deceptive nature of this worldly life, which often leads people astray from the path of righteousness. The allure of wealth, power, and material possessions can blind individuals, causing them to forget the true purpose of their existence and neglect their spiritual development.

The word (ha'il) "حائِلٌ" means hindering or obstructing. It signifies how the worldly pursuits and desires can become barriers that prevent individuals from attaining true success and happiness in the hereafter. The distractions and temptations of this world divert people's attention from their ultimate goal of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (sarab) "سَرابٌ" means mirage. It symbolizes the transient and illusory nature of worldly pleasures and achievements. Just as a mirage in the desert appears to be a source of water but disappears upon closer inspection, the attractions of this world can be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. They do not provide lasting contentment or fulfillment.

The word (za'il) "زائِلٌ" means vanishing or perishing. It emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and status. No matter how much wealth or power one accumulates, it will eventually fade away. This reminder urges Muslims to focus on building their eternal abode in the hereafter rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly gains.

To further understand the beautiful message 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the fleeting pleasure they provide. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of life is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prepare for the eternal life in the hereafter.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 beautifully illustrates the transitory nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of life itself. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and causes plants to grow, the blessings and provisions of this world are temporary and will eventually wither away.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness over the fleeting attractions of this world. We should not be deceived by its illusions, but rather strive for the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true nature of this world and guide us towards the path of righteousness. May we seek His pleasure and strive for success in both this life and the hereafter. And may we always remember the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).