Hadith #3637

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the nature of this worldly life. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (dunya) "دُنْيَا", which refers to the temporal world, the material realm that we inhabit. It is a place of trials and tribulations, where we are tested by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to determine our true worth and faith.

The next word is (tu'ti) "تُعْطِي", which means to give or bestow. This world has the ability to grant us blessings, wealth, and worldly success. However, it is important to remember that these are temporary and transient, as the world also has the power to (tartaji'u) "تَرْتَجِعُ", which means to take back or withdraw. Just as easily as it gives, the world can snatch away its favors, leaving us empty-handed.

The word (tanqadu) "تَنْقَادُ" means to yield or submit. The world can yield to our desires and fulfill our wishes, but it can also (tamteni'u) "تَمْتَنِعُ", which means to spurn or reject. It can withhold its treasures and deny us what we seek, reminding us of its temporary nature and the need to seek fulfillment in the eternal life to come.

Furthermore, the world can (tuhishu) "تُوحِشُ", which means to forsake or abandon. It can make us feel lonely, isolated, and disconnected from our true purpose. On the other hand, it can also (tu'nisu) "تُؤْنِسُ", which means to show friendship or companionship. It can provide us with moments of joy, comfort, and companionship, but these are fleeting and can never truly satisfy our souls.

The world has the power to (tatmi'u) "تَطْمِعُ", which means to entice or allure. It can create desires within us, tempting us with its attractions and distractions. However, it also has the ability to (tu'yesu) "تُؤْيِسُ", which means to dishearten or disappoint. The pursuit of worldly pleasures often leads to disillusionment and dissatisfaction, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the need to prioritize the eternal life. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter, there is severe torment, and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the felicitous and the wretched in their relationship with this world. The felicitous, those who understand the temporary nature of this world, turn away from its allurements and focus on the eternal life. They prioritize their relationship with Allah and seek His pleasure above all else. They recognize that true happiness and fulfillment lie in the Hereafter, and they strive for righteousness and good deeds.

On the other hand, the wretched are those who are deluded by the temporary pleasures of this world. They desire its riches, fame, and worldly success, thinking that these will bring them lasting happiness. However, they are ultimately disappointed and left wanting, as the world cannot provide true contentment and fulfillment.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of this world. It urges us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to seek His pleasure above all else. We should not be deceived by the temporary allurements of this world, but rather focus on the eternal life and strive for righteousness and good deeds. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.