Hadith #3928

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the temporary allure and false amusements of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be deluded by the fleeting pleasures and distractions that the world offers, as they are transient and short-lived. Instead, he urges us to focus on the consequences of our actions and the vices that we accumulate.

Let us delve deeper into the important words of this Hadith. The word (al-'ajilah) "العاجِلَةُ" refers to the transient or immediate world, which encompasses the materialistic aspects of life that often captivate and distract individuals. It includes the pursuit of worldly desires, material possessions, and temporary pleasures that can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. The word (bizoori) "بِزُورِ" means false or deceptive, highlighting the illusory nature of these amusements.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against being deceived by these false amusements, as they are temporary and fleeting. He reminds us that while the amusement and enjoyment derived from worldly pursuits may provide temporary satisfaction, they eventually come to an end. On the other hand, the vices and sins that we accumulate during our pursuit of these amusements remain with us, affecting our spiritual well-being and ultimately our eternal life.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (57:20)

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 like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter, there is severe punishment and 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 amusements and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. The temporary enjoyment derived from worldly pursuits is likened to rain that nourishes the vegetation, but eventually dries up and turns into straw. Similarly, the amusements of this world may bring temporary pleasure, but they are ultimately transitory and deceptive.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (28:51)

And We will surely cause them to taste the nearer punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].

This verse reminds us that the consequences of our actions in this world are not limited to the temporary amusements we indulge in. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns that He may subject individuals to a lesser punishment in this life as a means to guide them back to the right path. This serves as a reminder that the vices and sins we accumulate during our pursuit of worldly amusements have real consequences, both in this life and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness over temporary worldly pleasures. It serves as a reminder that while the amusements of this world may provide temporary enjoyment, they are ultimately transitory and deceptive. The vices and sins we accumulate, however, have lasting effects on our spiritual well-being and our eternal life.

As Muslims, we should heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to detach ourselves from the allure of this transient world. We should focus on acquiring good deeds and righteousness, as these are the only things that will benefit us in the long run. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the delusions of worldly amusements and strive for a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and may He guide us on the straight path.