Hadith #3679

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "الدُّنْيا دارُ الأشْقياءِ۔" which translates to

This world is the abode of the wretched.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and the inherent challenges and trials that it presents.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (dunya) "دُنْيا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm in which we currently reside. It encompasses all the worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits that often distract us from our ultimate purpose. The term (dar) "دار" means abode or dwelling place, indicating that this world is not our permanent home, but rather a temporary residence.

The word (ashqiyaa) "أشْقياءِ" translates to wretched or miserable. It conveys the idea that those who solely focus on worldly pursuits and neglect their spiritual development are ultimately unhappy and discontented. This Hadith serves as a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life to come.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the hereafter, indicating that true success lies in balancing our worldly and spiritual aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 transient nature of worldly life, comparing it to rain that nourishes the earth but eventually fades away.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us valuable lessons. It reminds us that the pursuit of worldly pleasures alone will not bring lasting happiness and contentment. Instead, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the eternal rewards of the hereafter. This does not mean that we should completely detach ourselves from the world, but rather strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the transient nature of this world to motivate us to focus on the eternal life to come. By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions and pleasures, we are encouraged to invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Consequently, reflecting on this Hadith helps us develop a mindset that is not solely fixated on the material aspects of life. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for righteousness, knowing that true success lies in the eternal abode of the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us towards actions that will bring us closer to Him. May we strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations, seeking the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Ameen.