Hadith #4585

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الزُّهْدُ سَجِيَّةُ المُخلِصينَ۔" This can be translated as,

Renunciation of worldly pleasures is a quality of the sincere.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (az-zuhd) "الزُّهْدُ" refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly desires and pleasures. It is the act of voluntarily abstaining from indulging in material possessions, wealth, and worldly pursuits. (sajiyyatu) "سَجِيَّةُ" means a quality or characteristic, and (al-mukhlisīn) "المُخلِصينَ" refers to the sincere or those who are truly devoted to Allah.

To understand the significance of renunciation of worldly pleasures as a quality of the sincere, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given, and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the sincere believers who renounce their own desires and prioritize the needs of others. They do not harbor jealousy or greed in their hearts, but instead, they willingly give preference to others over themselves. This selflessness is a manifestation of their renunciation of worldly pleasures.

Another Quranic verse that sheds light on the concept of renunciation is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West, but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, out of love for Him, to relatives, and orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and to set slaves free.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies not in mere rituals or outward displays, but in sincere belief in Allah and the hereafter, and in acts of charity and kindness towards others. Renunciation of worldly pleasures is closely linked to giving wealth and resources to those in need, as an expression of love for Allah and a means of seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith teaches us that renunciation of worldly pleasures is not a mere act of asceticism or deprivation, but rather a quality that is rooted in sincerity and devotion to Allah. It is a conscious choice to detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, in order to focus on our spiritual growth and the betterment of our souls.

By renouncing worldly pleasures, we free ourselves from the chains of materialism and cultivate a deeper connection with Allah. This detachment enables us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek closeness to our Creator. It also allows us to develop empathy and compassion towards others, as we become more aware of their needs and strive to alleviate their suffering.

The consequences of practicing renunciation of worldly pleasures are profound. It leads to a sense of contentment and inner peace, as we detach ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and fleeting pleasures. It also strengthens our faith and reliance on Allah, as we recognize that true fulfillment lies in His pleasure and the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to embody the teachings of renunciation and sincerity. He lived a life of simplicity and selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others above his own.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of renunciation of worldly pleasures as a quality of the sincere. By detaching ourselves from the distractions of this world, we can focus on our spiritual growth, prioritize the needs of others, and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to embody this quality and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).