Hadith #3586

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the danger of being preoccupied with worldly pursuits and neglecting our spiritual obligations. The Imam advises us to be cautious and not let death overtake us while we are engrossed in seeking the temporary pleasures of this world, thus distancing ourselves from our Creator.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith by examining its key words and their implications. The word (yanzila) "يَنْزِلَ" means "to descend" or "to come down." Here, it refers to the descent of death upon an individual. The word (abiq) "ابِقٌ" means "a fugitive" or

one who has run away.

In this context, it signifies a person who has turned away from their true purpose and is fleeing from their responsibilities towards Allah. The phrase (fi talabid-dunya) "في طَلَبِ الدُّنيا" means

in your seeking [the pleasures of] this world.

It highlights the danger of becoming excessively attached to worldly desires and pursuits, to the extent that one neglects their spiritual duties.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20: (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 emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the deceptive allure they hold. It warns us against becoming engrossed in the pursuit of material possessions, status, and worldly pleasures, as they are merely temporary and will eventually fade away. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this message, urging us to be mindful of the fleeting nature of this world and to prioritize our spiritual journey.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60: (28:60)

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 stark contrast between the temporary pleasures of this world and the everlasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of our existence is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for eternal success, rather than being consumed by worldly desires.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a wake-up call, urging us to reflect on our priorities and redirect our focus towards our spiritual growth. It warns us of the consequences of neglecting our relationship with Allah and becoming engrossed in the pursuit of worldly gains. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world, we risk losing sight of our true purpose and distancing ourselves from our Creator.

By heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. We should not forsake our duties towards Allah in the pursuit of material possessions, but rather prioritize our faith and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives. This requires us to constantly evaluate our intentions, actions, and priorities, ensuring that we are not neglecting our spiritual well-being while striving for success in this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the transient nature of this world and to prioritize their spiritual journey. It warns against becoming engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures and neglecting our relationship with Allah. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for eternal success. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations.