Hadith #9510

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Nobody delights in any of the pleasures of this world but that it will be a distress for him on the Day of Resurrection.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and serves as a reminder of the consequences they hold in the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ladhdhah) "لَذَّةً" refers to the delight or pleasure derived from worldly possessions, experiences, or indulgences. It encompasses the temporary satisfaction one may feel when engaging in worldly pleasures. The word (ghussah) "غُصَّةً" translates to distress, anguish, or suffocation. It signifies the discomfort and regret that will be experienced by those who prioritize worldly pleasures over their spiritual obligations.

To comprehend the wisdom behind 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 only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and compares them to the temporary growth of vegetation. Just as the lush greenery withers away, the delights of this world will also fade, leaving behind only regret and distress. The true essence of life lies in seeking Allah's pleasure and preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us:

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary joy and satisfaction, they are not the ultimate source of fulfillment. The true adornment lies in performing righteous deeds that have lasting value and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that indulging excessively in the pleasures of this world can lead to spiritual negligence and a loss of focus on our ultimate purpose. It is not to say that we should completely abstain from enjoying the blessings of this world, but rather we should prioritize our spiritual growth and use these blessings in a way that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true delight lies in seeking Allah's pleasure and preparing for the Day of Resurrection. It urges us to strike a balance between the temporary joys of this world and the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. May we all strive to prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do.