Hadith #3683

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Being pleased with this world is foolishness.

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

The word (farah) "فَرَحُ" in Arabic refers to being pleased or delighted. It signifies a state of happiness or contentment. On the other hand, (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic realm that we inhabit. It encompasses the worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits that often distract us from our ultimate purpose.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that being pleased with this world, solely focusing on its transient pleasures and treasures, is nothing but foolishness. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that our true purpose lies beyond the confines of this temporary abode.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the eternal life to come. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and how they can distract us from our true purpose. Just like a plant that withers away after its initial growth, the pleasures of this world are transient and will eventually fade away. Therefore, seeking contentment solely in worldly pursuits is indeed foolishness.

Another verse that supports the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

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.

This verse reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and our true reward awaits us in the Hereafter. The life of this world is merely an illusion, a temporary enjoyment that can deceive us if we become too attached to it. Therefore, being pleased with this world alone is indeed foolishness, as it blinds us to the reality of the eternal life that awaits us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. It urges us to seek contentment in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness, rather than being consumed by the fleeting pleasures and distractions of this world.

By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly pursuits, we can redirect our focus towards the eternal life and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This realization should motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and serve humanity, knowing that our true reward lies in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, seeking contentment in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness. By doing so, we can attain true success in both this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this world.