Hadith #3914

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The wares of this world are [like] broken orts that cause epidemics, therefore keep off the grazing land which is more beneficial to migrate from than to peacefully stay in, and that of it which suffices for subsistence in it is purer [for the soul] than its riches.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Firstly, it is important to understand the key words used in this Hadith. The word "مَتاعُ" refers to the possessions or goods of this world. It encompasses material wealth, worldly possessions, and everything that is transient and perishable. "حُطامٌ" signifies broken fragments or remnants, indicating the temporary and fragile nature of worldly belongings. "مُوبِيٌ" refers to something that causes epidemics or diseases, highlighting the harmful and detrimental effects of worldly attachments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to

keep off the grazing land,

which symbolizes the pursuit of worldly desires and attachments. He emphasizes that migrating from the grazing land, i.e., detaching oneself from worldly possessions and desires, is more beneficial than remaining in a state of peaceful indulgence. This migration signifies a spiritual journey towards detachment and focusing on the eternal life hereafter.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the impermanence and insignificance of worldly possessions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the transience of life itself. It compares the allure of this world to a rain that brings temporary pleasure but eventually withers away. Just as the rainwater nourishes the plants, worldly possessions may bring temporary satisfaction, but they ultimately fade away, leaving behind nothing but debris.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of wealth and children, which are merely adornments of this worldly life. It emphasizes that the true value lies in enduring good deeds, which have eternal rewards and bring true fulfillment. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this sentiment, urging Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness over the accumulation of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that subsistence in this world, with what is sufficient for one's needs, is purer for the soul than the riches of this world. This highlights the importance of contentment and moderation in one's material desires. When one is satisfied with what is necessary for sustenance, the soul remains pure and untainted by the greed and attachment that often accompany excessive wealth.

To support this notion, we find a verse in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the supplication of Prophet Musa (Moses) to Allah, asking for sustenance that is sufficient and from His presence. It highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and being content with what He provides, rather than chasing after worldly riches.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the transient and harmful nature of worldly possessions. It urges us to detach ourselves from the grazing land of material desires and focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness. By migrating from the pursuit of worldly riches, we can attain a purer state of the soul and find contentment in subsistence that is sufficient for our needs. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and guide us on the path of righteousness.