Hadith #3562

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) states,

If this world unfolds, it opens up and when it disperses, it departs.

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

The word (injalat) "انجلت" in the Hadith refers to the unfolding or opening up of something. It signifies the transient nature of this world, which is constantly changing and evolving. Just as a flower unfolds its petals, the world unfolds and reveals its true nature. It is a reminder that the world is not a permanent abode, but rather a temporary dwelling.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadeed, verse 20, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary nature of this life. It compares the worldly life to rain that brings temporary pleasure and growth to plants, but eventually dries up and turns into scattered debris. Similarly, the world unfolds and opens up to us, but it is only a temporary phase that will eventually come to an end.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wa idha jallat irtahalat) "وإذا جَلَتْ اِرْتَحَلَتْ", which means

when it disperses, it departs.

This highlights the transient nature of the world and its eventual departure. Just as a gathering disperses and people go their separate ways, the world will also come to an end and everything in it will cease to exist.

The Quran further emphasizes this concept in Surah Al-Qiyamah, verses 26-27, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Does man think that he will be left neglected? Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted? Then he was a clinging clot, and [ Allah ] created [his form] and proportioned [him].

These verses remind us of our humble beginnings and the fact that we were created from a mere sperm and a clinging clot. It highlights the temporary nature of our existence in this world and the ultimate departure that awaits us all.

The exegesis of this Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly. It reminds us that the pursuit of worldly pleasures and material possessions should not consume us, as they are temporary and will eventually fade away.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, imparts this valuable lesson to us. He encourages us to focus on the eternal life of the Hereafter, where our true abode lies. By understanding the temporary nature of this world, we can strive to lead a righteous life, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to comprehend the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.