Hadith #3833

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لِكُلِّ شَيء مِنَ الدُّنيا انْقِضاءٌ وفَناءٌ

which translates to

For everything in this world there is expiry and annihilation.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the inevitability of their eventual demise.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us reflect upon some important words. The word (inqida') "انقضاءٌ" refers to the termination or expiration of something, while (fana') "فَناءٌ" signifies the annihilation or destruction of an entity. These words emphasize the temporary nature of worldly affairs and the fact that everything in this material realm is destined to come to an end.

The Holy Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. 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 beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. The life of this world is compared to a temporary amusement that eventually fades away. Just as the rain brings forth lush vegetation that eventually withers and turns into debris, the possessions and achievements of this world are destined to perish.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of enjoyment during our worldly existence. However, what truly matters and holds eternal value is what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our focus should be on striving for the everlasting rewards and blessings that Allah has promised to the believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the allure of worldly possessions and to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and the attainment of the hereafter. It encourages us to reflect on the impermanence of material wealth, status, and achievements, and to invest our efforts in actions that have eternal consequences.

By recognizing the transitory nature of worldly affairs, we can develop a mindset that is focused on the ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure and securing a place in the everlasting abode of Paradise. This understanding helps us navigate the challenges and trials of this world with patience, contentment, and gratitude, knowing that true success lies in the eternal realm.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly affairs and to invest our efforts in actions that have everlasting consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this life and guide us to make choices that lead to eternal success.