Hadith #3715

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 all Muslims, regardless of their sect, about the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the importance of prioritizing the eternal hereafter over temporary worldly gains.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (raghibtum) "رَغِبْتُم" translates to "crave" or "desire," indicating a strong attachment or longing for something. (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the material world, encompassing worldly possessions, wealth, and status. (afnaytum) "أفْنَيْتُمْ" means "you will waste" or "you will spend." (a'marakum) "أعْمارَكُمْ" refers to "your lives" or

your time on earth.

(fima la tabqoon lahu)

فِيمَا لَا تَبْقُونَ لَهُ

means

for that which you will not remain for

or

for that which you will not stay for.

And finally, (wala yabqa lakum) "وَلَا يَبْقَى لَكُمْ" translates to

and that which will not remain for you.

To further understand the message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (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

Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah warns us, (18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability

These ayats emphasize the transient nature of worldly desires and possessions. Just like the rain that nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, worldly pleasures may seem appealing and fulfilling in the short term. However, they eventually wither away, leaving behind nothing but empty remnants.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities. If we become consumed by our desires for worldly possessions, we risk wasting our precious time and energy on pursuits that hold no lasting value. Our lives are limited, and it is crucial to utilize our time wisely, investing in actions that will benefit us in the eternal hereafter.

By prioritizing the pursuit of knowledge, good deeds, and the remembrance of Allah, we can ensure that our lives are meaningful and purposeful. Instead of chasing after temporary pleasures, we should strive for actions that will earn us rewards in the sight of Allah. This may involve acts of charity, seeking knowledge, helping others, and practicing patience and gratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise words urge us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the motivations behind our desires. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits, we can redirect our focus towards the everlasting rewards of the hereafter. Let us strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah, seeking His pleasure and the eternal bliss that awaits us in the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the hereafter over the temporary allure of this world. May He guide us to utilize our time and resources in ways that will benefit us in the eternal realm. And may He bless us with the ability to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.