Hadith #9

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When this world advances towards anyone (with its favours) it attributes to him other's good; and when it turns away from him it deprives him of his own good.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the deceptive allure of material wealth.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (aqbalat) "أَقْبَلَتِ" refers to the world advancing or approaching someone, while (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيَا" signifies the temporal world we live in. (a'arat-hu) "أَعَارَتْهُ" means that the world attributes or ascribes to him the good of others, and (mahasin) "مَحَاسِنَ" refers to the virtues or blessings. On the other hand, (adbarat) "أَدْبَرَتْ" signifies the world turning away or departing from someone, and (salabat-hu) "سَلَبَتْهُ" means that it deprives him of his own good or blessings.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary nature of the pleasures they bring. The world may offer us the illusion of happiness and success, but it is ultimately transitory. Just as a plant withers and turns yellow after the rain, the material wealth and worldly delights will eventually fade away.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that the allure of worldly possessions can distract us from the true purpose of our existence. The love of material wealth, status, and worldly pleasures can blind us to the reality of the Hereafter and the eternal rewards that await us. It is a reminder that the true return and reward lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), not in the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world. When the world advances towards us, showering us with its favors, it is crucial to remember that these blessings are not permanent and should not be the sole focus of our lives. We should attribute these blessings to the grace of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and use them in ways that please Him.

Conversely, when the world turns away from us, depriving us of our own good, we should not despair or lose hope. Our true worth lies in our faith, character, and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to maintain our integrity and righteousness, knowing that the true treasures are those that are stored in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over the transient pleasures of this world. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can find true contentment and eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world.