Hadith #4568

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) advises us to turn away from the fleeting pleasures and distractions of this worldly life. By doing so, we will find true happiness and contentment in the Hereafter, and we will be able to rectify our final abode.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (I'zif) "اِعْزِفْ" in Arabic means to turn away or abstain from something. In this context, it refers to abstaining from the allure and attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to detach ourselves from the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this life, recognizing that they are transitory and will not bring us lasting happiness.

The phrase (duniyak) "دُنياكَ" refers to one's worldly desires, ambitions, and attachments. It encompasses the pursuit of wealth, power, fame, and all other materialistic goals that consume our thoughts and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to turn away from these worldly desires, as they distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead us astray.

The phrase (tas'ad bi munqalabik) "تَسْعَدْ بِمُنْقَلَبِكَ" means that by turning away from worldly desires, we will find happiness and contentment in our place of return, which is the Hereafter. This refers to the eternal life that awaits us after death, where our actions in this world will determine our ultimate destiny. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we will attain true happiness and fulfillment in the Hereafter.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and relationships, emphasizing that true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By turning away from the distractions of this world, we can focus on cultivating these lasting good deeds, which will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and grant us eternal happiness in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports this exegesis is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77):

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse advises us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while still fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations in this world. It reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual pursuits. By turning away from excessive attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world, we can focus on doing good and avoiding corruption, thus ensuring our success in both this life and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to turn away from the distractions of this world carries profound implications for our lives as Muslims. By prioritizing our spiritual growth, seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and engaging in acts of kindness and charity, we can reform our final abode and secure a place of eternal happiness in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the temporary pleasures and distractions of this worldly life. By turning away from our vain desires and focusing on our ultimate purpose, we can find true happiness and contentment in the Hereafter. This requires a conscious effort to prioritize our spiritual growth, perform good deeds, and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in both this life and the Hereafter.