Hadith #3674

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الدُّنْيا ظِلٌّ زائِلٌ۔" which translates to

This world is a waning shadow.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and offers a deep insight into the nature of worldly life.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (zill) "ظِلٌّ" refers to a shadow, which is a temporary and fleeting phenomenon. It lacks substance and permanence. The word (za'il) "زائِلٌ" means waning or diminishing, indicating that the shadow is constantly fading away.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 beautifully illustrates the transient nature of worldly life. Just as a plant grows and flourishes after rain, it eventually withers and turns into scattered debris. Similarly, the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary joy and satisfaction, but they do not provide lasting fulfillment.

In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 45, 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 further emphasizes the transitory nature of worldly life. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and causes vegetation to grow, eventually it dries up and becomes scattered by the wind. Similarly, the pleasures and material possessions of this world may bring temporary satisfaction, but they will ultimately fade away and disperse.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), with his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that this world is like a waning shadow. Just as a shadow is temporary and insubstantial, so too is the allure of worldly possessions and desires. They may appear enticing and captivating, but they lack true substance and permanence.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our attachment to worldly possessions and desires should be limited. We should not be consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and transient pleasures. Instead, we should focus on the eternal and everlasting rewards of the hereafter.

By recognizing the fleeting nature of this world, we can prioritize our actions and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and cultivate good character, for these are the deeds that will endure and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the transient allure of this world. It urges us to focus on the eternal and everlasting rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.