Hadith #3633

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and its impact on individuals. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

Verily this world wears out the bodies.

The Arabic word used here is (tukhliq) "تُخلِقُ", which implies that the world exhausts and consumes the physical bodies of individuals. This highlights the temporary nature of our existence in this world and the inevitable decay and deterioration of our physical beings.

To further emphasize this point, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "renews hopes." The Arabic word used here is (tujaddid) "تُجَدِّدُ", which signifies the constant renewal of aspirations and desires within the hearts of individuals. This implies that the world entices us with new hopes and dreams, leading us to pursue worldly pleasures and materialistic goals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

brings death near and takes aspirations far away.

Here, the Arabic word (tuqarribu) "تُقَرِّبُ" is used to describe how the world brings death closer to us. This serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that death is an inevitable reality. Additionally, the phrase

takes aspirations far away

implies that the pursuit of worldly desires often distances us from our spiritual aspirations and the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating,

Every time its inhabitant becomes contented and pleased with it, it sends him back to adversity.

This highlights the fleeting nature of worldly contentment and happiness. The world, with its transient nature, has a tendency to deceive individuals into believing that they have found lasting joy and satisfaction. However, this contentment is short-lived, and eventually, one is confronted with hardships and challenges.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. In Surah Al-Hadeed (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is merely a temporary illusion, filled with distractions and competitions for material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse serves as a reminder that death is an inescapable reality, and the true rewards and consequences of our actions will be realized in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against becoming too attached to the fleeting pleasures and desires of this world. He reminds us that the world, with its allure and promises, can lead us astray from our ultimate purpose, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and focus on the eternal life to come. It urges us to detach ourselves from the temporary and transient nature of this world and instead seek contentment and fulfillment through our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him and seek His eternal pleasure in the Hereafter.