Hadith #3797

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

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

In being averse to this world there is attainment of prosperity.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (uzoof) "عُزُوفِ" in the Hadith refers to being averse or turning away from something. In this context, it signifies the detachment and disinterest towards the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of not being overly attached to worldly possessions, desires, and ambitions.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15),

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that the worldly possessions we accumulate and the relationships we cherish are merely a test from Allah. True prosperity lies in recognizing this reality and not allowing ourselves to become consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the distractions they create. It serves as a reminder that true success and prosperity lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and focusing on the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also echoes the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who said,

What have I to do with this world? The likeness of this world in relation to the Hereafter is that of a drop of water compared to the ocean.

This analogy emphasizes the insignificance of worldly affairs in comparison to the vastness and eternity of the Hereafter.

By being averse to this world, we are able to prioritize our spiritual growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and focus on the actions that will lead to true success in the Hereafter. This detachment from worldly distractions allows us to invest our time, energy, and resources in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle through his profound knowledge and wisdom. His detachment from worldly desires enabled him to become one of the greatest scholars and leaders in Islamic history. His focus on the eternal consequences of his actions guided his decisions and motivated him to always seek the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being averse to this world and not allowing ourselves to be consumed by its temporary allurements. True prosperity lies in prioritizing our spiritual growth, seeking the pleasure of Allah, and preparing for the eternal life to come. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and attain true success and prosperity in the Hereafter.