Hadith #3917

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It (this world) is obstructive and obdurate, deviating and swaying, deceiving and ungrateful.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sadud) "صَدُودُ" means obstructive or hindering. It refers to the world's ability to distract and divert us from the path of righteousness. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where 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.

This worldly life, with its allurements and distractions, can hinder us from focusing on our ultimate purpose of worshiping Allah and seeking His pleasure.

The word (anud) "عَنُودُ" means obdurate or stubborn. It highlights the world's resistance to submission and obedience to Allah. The Quran warns us about the arrogance and obstinacy of those who are attached to worldly pursuits in Surah Al-Kahf (18:32), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

The word (hayud) "حَيُودُ" means deviating or swaying. It signifies the world's tendency to lead us astray and cause us to deviate from the straight path. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deceptive nature of worldly desires, saying,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The word (mayud) "مَيُودُ" means deceiving or treacherous. It emphasizes the world's ability to deceive us and lead us towards falsehood and sin. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the temporary nature of worldly pleasures, saying,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?

The word (khadud) "خَدُوعُ" means ungrateful or unappreciative. It highlights the world's ingratitude towards those who strive for its pleasures. In Surah Al-Isra (17:67), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the transitory nature of worldly possessions, saying,

And [recall] when your Lord declared that He would surely [continue to] send upon them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith provides a profound insight into the nature of this worldly life. It is obstructive, hindering us from focusing on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. It is obdurate, resisting submission to the divine commandments. It is deviating, leading us astray from the straight path. It is deceiving, luring us towards temporary pleasures that ultimately bring emptiness and regret. And it is ungrateful, not appreciating the efforts we put into pursuing its fleeting pleasures.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over the temporary allurements of this world. We should not allow the distractions and obstacles of this world to divert us from our ultimate purpose of seeking Allah's pleasure and attaining salvation. We should remain steadfast in our faith, resisting the temptations that lead us away from the path of righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true nature of this world and guide us towards a life that is pleasing to Him. May we strive to overcome the obstacles and temptations of this world and focus on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. And may we always remain grateful for the blessings and guidance that Allah has bestowed upon us.