Hadith #3699

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الدُّوْلَةُ كما تُقْبِلُ تُدْبِرُ۔

This can be translated as,

Just as [wealth and] authority comes towards you, it turns away from you.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (dawlah) "دُّوْلَةُ" in this Hadith refers to authority, power, or dominion. It encompasses both political and social influence. It is a transient and ever-changing aspect of life. The word (tuqbilu) "تُقْبِلُ" means to approach or come towards, while (tudbiru) "تُدْبِرُ" means to turn away or retreat.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fleeting nature of worldly authority and power. Just as it comes towards a person, it inevitably turns away. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to not become attached to the transient nature of worldly power and wealth, but instead focus on the eternal and lasting rewards of the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 temporary nature of worldly pleasures and possessions. Just as a plant withers and turns yellow, so too does the allure of wealth and power fade away. Muslims are reminded to not be deceived by the transient nature of worldly authority, but rather to focus on the true purpose of life and the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. So will you not use reason?

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the superiority of what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds Muslims to not become attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world, but rather to seek the eternal rewards that await them in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is urging Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of worldly authority and power. He is reminding us that just as wealth and authority come towards us, they will inevitably turn away. This serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions, focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than the temporary allure of worldly possessions.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the consequences of becoming attached to worldly authority and power. When one becomes consumed by the pursuit of wealth and authority, they may lose sight of their true purpose in life and neglect their duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings. This can lead to corruption, injustice, and a loss of moral values.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not become attached to the transient nature of worldly authority and power. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By reflecting upon the Quranic verses that support this message, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.