Hadith #3903

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, uses a metaphor to convey a beautiful message. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the question,

What is good in a house that falls down like demolished construction?

Here, the word (house) "دار" refers to the worldly life and its temporary nature. The word (falls down) "تُنْقَضُ" signifies the fragility and vulnerability of worldly possessions. It reminds us that no matter how grand or sturdy our material possessions may seem, they are ultimately destined to crumble and perish.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly life in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

The Hadith continues,

and in a lifetime that expires as [its] provisions get exhausted?

Here, the word (lifetime) "عُمْر" refers to the span of our existence in this world. The word (expires) "فَناءَ" signifies the inevitable end of life. The word (provisions) "زَّادِ" represents the sustenance and blessings that Allah provides us with during our lifetime.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the temporary nature of provisions in Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2),

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards. No! You are going to know. Then no! You are going to know. No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty... You will surely see the Hellfire.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses this metaphor to highlight the futility of attaching ourselves to worldly possessions and the transient nature of life itself. Just as a house that collapses and a lifetime that expires, our material possessions and worldly desires will eventually fade away. Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to prioritize the eternal and everlasting rewards of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to focus on building a strong foundation in faith and righteousness, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly gains. It encourages us to invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come. It reminds us to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being preoccupied with material possessions and worldly desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of life. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards and to focus on building a strong foundation in faith and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this life and guide us towards actions that will benefit us in the hereafter.