Hadith #9517

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the transient nature of worldly pleasures, blessings, and hardships. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to remember the eventual end of every pleasure, the removal of every blessing, and the relief that follows every hardship. By doing so, we can derive profound lessons and benefits that will help us in our spiritual journey.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (ladhdhah) "لَذَّة" refers to pleasure or delight, while (zawalah) "زَوَالَهَا" means its eventual end or disappearance. Similarly, (ni'mah) "نِعْمَة" signifies blessings, and (intiqalah) "اِنْتِقَالَهَا" refers to their removal or transition. Furthermore, (baliyyah) "بَلِيَّة" denotes hardship, and (kashfah) "كَشْفَهَا" signifies its relief or unveiling.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and emphasizes the importance of seeking what is with Allah, which is everlasting.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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.

This verse further reinforces the transient nature of worldly pleasures and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice. By remembering the eventual end of every pleasure, we are reminded that these worldly delights are temporary and fleeting. This realization prevents us from becoming attached to them and allows us to maintain a balanced perspective. It helps us avoid falling into the trap of materialism and greed, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, by recalling the removal of blessings, we develop gratitude and appreciation for the favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This awareness prevents us from taking these blessings for granted and encourages us to utilize them in ways that please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also reminds us that these blessings are temporary and can be withdrawn at any moment, urging us to be mindful of our actions and to seek forgiveness for any misuse or negligence.

Furthermore, by remembering the relief that follows every hardship, we find solace and hope in times of difficulty. This awareness helps us endure trials with patience and trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and mercy. It also reminds us that hardships are temporary and will eventually be replaced by ease. This knowledge strengthens our faith and encourages us to persevere in seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) pleasure, knowing that relief is near.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective in their pursuit of worldly pleasures and blessings. By reflecting on the transient nature of these worldly delights, we can prevent ourselves from becoming overly attached to them and prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This mindset enables us to subdue our lustful desires, distance ourselves from vanity and arrogance, and remain focused on the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance for Muslims in navigating the transient nature of worldly pleasures, blessings, and hardships. By reflecting on the eventual end of pleasures, the removal of blessings, and the relief that follows hardships, we can cultivate gratitude, patience, and a balanced perspective. This mindset allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to apply these teachings in our lives and guide us on the path of righteousness.