Hadith #10179

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,

Verily women are [only] concerned about the ornaments of this world and [creating] mischief herein.

This Hadith highlights the general inclination of women towards worldly adornments and the potential for mischief that may arise from it.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (zīnatu) "زِينَةُ" refers to adornments or embellishments, while (al-ḥayāti al-dunyā) "الْحَياةِ الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life. Furthermore, the word (al-fasādu) "الْفَسادُ" signifies mischief or corruption.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (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 that the love for worldly desires, including women, is an inherent aspect of human nature. It is important to note that the verse does not condemn women or their adornments, but rather highlights the allure of worldly possessions. Women, like other material possessions, can become a source of distraction and attachment if not approached with moderation and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the story of the two angels, Harut and Marut, who were sent down to Babylon to test the people. The verse states,

And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.

This verse highlights the potential for mischief and corruption that can arise from the misuse of knowledge and the manipulation of relationships, including marital bonds. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly desires, when not guided by the principles of Islam, can lead to harmful consequences.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as a cautionary reminder for both men and women to be mindful of the temptations and distractions of this worldly life. It is not a condemnation of women, but rather a reminder to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and to guard against the potential for mischief that can arise from an excessive attachment to worldly adornments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry weight and significance. It is crucial for Muslims to reflect upon his teachings and apply them in their lives. This Hadith serves as a reminder for women to focus on their spiritual growth and to use their adornments in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, it reminds men to appreciate the inner qualities and character of women rather than being solely captivated by their external beauty.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the allure of worldly possessions and the potential for mischief that can arise from an excessive attachment to them. It is a call to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and to use the blessings of this world in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the temptations of this world.