Hadith #3719

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the people who are engrossed in the pursuit of worldly desires to howling dogs and starving predators growling at each other. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (awiyah) "عاوِيَةٌ" refers to howling dogs, symbolizing those who are constantly seeking after worldly pleasures without any restraint or wisdom. They are driven by their base desires and are easily swayed by their whims and desires. These individuals lack self-control and are consumed by their materialistic pursuits.

The word (dariyah) "ضارِيَةٌ" refers to starving predators, representing those who are constantly in a state of hunger and aggression, always seeking to fulfill their desires at the expense of others. They are ruthless and willing to harm and exploit others in order to satisfy their own needs and ambitions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the mighty among them eat the meek, indicating that those who possess power and influence exploit and oppress those who are weaker and vulnerable. This highlights the unjust power dynamics that exist in societies where the strong oppress the weak for their own gain.

Similarly, the big among them crush the small, emphasizing the oppressive nature of those who are in positions of authority. They use their power to suppress and dominate those who are less influential, perpetuating a cycle of injustice and inequality.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes some people as tied cattle and others as untied cattle that have lost their wits and are running in every direction. The tied cattle represent those who are bound by societal norms and expectations, unable to think freely or question the status quo. On the other hand, the untied cattle symbolize those who have lost their sense of direction and purpose, aimlessly wandering through life without any moral compass.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and intentions. It warns against the dangers of becoming consumed by worldly desires and neglecting our spiritual growth and moral obligations. It highlights the importance of self-control, justice, and compassion in our interactions with others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the teachings of this Hadith. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that our worth and status in the sight of Allah is not determined by our worldly possessions or social status, but rather by our righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and equality, regardless of their background or social standing.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse reminds us of the blessings and provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us as human beings. It emphasizes the need to be grateful for these blessings and to use them in a responsible and just manner. It also serves as a reminder that our true honor and worth lies in our obedience to Allah and our adherence to His guidance.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and intentions in the pursuit of worldly desires. It warns against the dangers of becoming consumed by materialistic pursuits and neglecting our spiritual growth and moral obligations. It calls upon us to strive for justice, compassion, and self-control in our interactions with others. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of this world.