Hadith #3624

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the nature of this world and its transient nature. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (iqbal) "إقْبَالَ", which means to approach or come near. It signifies the world's constant pursuit of individuals, seeking their attention and engagement. This world presents itself to people, offering them its allurements and temptations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the need to prioritize the Hereafter:

(Quran 8:28)

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

The second word is (idbar) "إدْبَارَ", which means to turn back or retreat. It signifies the ephemeral nature of this world and its inability to provide lasting satisfaction. Just as one who flees turns back, this world also turns away from us, leaving us empty-handed. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures:

(Quran 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.

The third word is (muwasalah) "مُوَاصَلَةَ", which means to arrive or reach. It signifies the grand entrance of worldly kings and their pomp and glory. This world presents itself in a captivating manner, promising power, wealth, and authority. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran that true honor and authority belong to Him alone:

(Quran 3:189)

And sovereignty over the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, and Allah is over all things competent.

The fourth word is (mufaraqah) "مُفَارَقَةَ", which means to depart or separate. It signifies the sudden and abrupt departure of this world, just as a hasty person leaves without warning. This world can vanish in an instant, and all its attractions and attachments will be left behind. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the impermanence of worldly possessions:

(Quran 16:96)

Whatever you have will end, but what Allah has is lasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fleeting nature of this world and its inability to provide true fulfillment. It approaches individuals with its enticing offers, but it ultimately disappoints and turns away. It may arrive with the grandeur of kings, but it departs suddenly, leaving us empty-handed.

This hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, obedience, and seeking His pleasure.

We should strive to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who possessed profound knowledge and understanding of the transient nature of this world. He prioritized the Hereafter and dedicated his life to serving Allah and His creation. By following his footsteps, we can navigate the challenges of this world and attain true success in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the fleeting nature of this world and the strength to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter. May He bless us with the guidance to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain His pleasure. Ameen.