Hadith #3874

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining its key words and their meanings.

The word (zakhārif) "زَخَارِفِ" in Arabic refers to the adornments, luxuries, and material possessions that are associated with the worldly life. These include wealth, power, status, and all the temporary pleasures that captivate the hearts and minds of individuals. The word (ad-dunyā) "الدُّنْيَا" refers to the transient and perishable world that we inhabit.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who desire and chase after these worldly adornments are ultimately deceived and deprived of the true and everlasting bliss that is sought after in the Hereafter. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly possessions should not overshadow the pursuit of eternal happiness and salvation.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith and emphasize the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200:

(Quran 2:200)

And among them are those who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse highlights the danger of solely focusing on worldly desires and neglecting the Hereafter. Those who prioritize the adornments of this world will find themselves devoid of any share in the eternal bliss of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 18:46)

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that while wealth and children may be seen as adornments in this worldly life, they are not the true measure of success. Instead, the enduring good deeds performed for the sake of Allah are what hold true value and lead to a better reward in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and to not be deceived by the temporary allure of worldly possessions. It encourages believers to focus on the pursuit of good deeds, seeking the pleasure of Allah, and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

By prioritizing the Hereafter over the adornments of this world, Muslims can attain true success and everlasting bliss. This Hadith serves as a motivation to detach oneself from the materialistic desires of this world and to strive for the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims to not be captivated by the temporary pleasures and adornments of this world. It urges believers to prioritize the pursuit of eternal bliss in the Hereafter by focusing on good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the Hereafter and to not be deceived by the fleeting nature of worldly possessions.