Hadith #3794

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the nature of this worldly life. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses three important words to convey his message: (gharrarah) "غَرّارَةٌ", (ghuroor) "غُرُورٌ", and (faniyah) "فانِيَةٌ".

The word (gharrarah) "غَرّارَةٌ" refers to something that is deceitful, misleading, and illusory. It implies that this world, with all its attractions and allurements, deceives and misleads people. It presents itself as something desirable and fulfilling, but in reality, it is transient and fleeting. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us not to be deceived by the temporary pleasures and material possessions of this world.

The word (ghuroor) "غُرُورٌ" means delusion or illusion. It signifies that the attractions and luxuries of this world are merely illusions that can easily fade away. They create a false sense of security and happiness, leading people astray from the true purpose of their existence. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the glitter and glamour of this world are temporary and will ultimately vanish.

The word (faniyah) "فانِيَةٌ" means perishable or transient. It emphasizes the temporary nature of this world and everything in it. Just as all living beings eventually perish, so too will the material possessions and worldly achievements. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the impermanence of worldly attachments and urges us to focus on the eternal and everlasting.

To understand the deeper meaning of 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 seeking the hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 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 beautifully echoes the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the hadith. It reminds us that the attractions and pursuits of this world are temporary and illusory. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they ultimately lead to disappointment and regret. The true purpose of our existence lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.

Another verse that complements this hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and possessions. It highlights how people are attracted to material wealth, status, and relationships, considering them as the ultimate source of happiness and fulfillment. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that true contentment and fulfillment can only be found in His pleasure and the rewards of the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a reminder for all Muslims to not be deceived by the temporary attractions of this world. It calls us to reflect on the transience of worldly possessions and to prioritize our efforts towards the eternal life in the hereafter. By recognizing the true nature of this world and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true success and everlasting happiness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the right path and grant us the wisdom to understand the true purpose of our existence.