Hadith #3557

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is fleeting and perishing; [even] if it remains for you, you will not remain for it.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and serves as a reminder to Muslims of the impermanence of our existence in this world.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (dunya) "دُنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm that we inhabit. It is derived from the Arabic root word (dana) "دَنَا", which means "to be close" or "to be near." This indicates that the dunya is a temporary abode, a place of proximity that is close to us but ultimately distant from the eternal realm of the hereafter.

The word (muntaqilah) "مُنْتَقِلَةٌ" comes from the root word (naqala) "نَقَلَ", which means "to transfer" or

to move from one place to another.

It emphasizes the transient nature of the dunya, highlighting that it is constantly shifting and changing. This word reminds us that the world we live in is not a stable or permanent abode, but rather a temporary dwelling that we pass through on our journey towards the eternal life.

The word (faniyah) "فَانِيَةٌ" is derived from the root word (fana) "فَنَا", which means "to perish" or

to cease to exist.

It signifies the ephemeral nature of the dunya, emphasizing that everything in this world is destined to come to an end. This word serves as a reminder that our attachment to worldly possessions, status, and desires is futile, as they are all fleeting and will eventually fade away.

To further understand the message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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 echoes the sentiment expressed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and possessions.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transience of the dunya, comparing it to rain that nourishes the earth but eventually dries up and dissipates. It serves as a reminder that just as the rainwater does not remain forever, our time in this world is limited and will eventually come to an end.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. Our attachment to worldly possessions, wealth, and desires should not overshadow our ultimate goal of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the hereafter. We should strive to use the resources and blessings bestowed upon us in this world to benefit ourselves and others, while keeping in mind that our true abode lies in the everlasting life to come.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the fleeting nature of this world and guide us towards actions that will secure our place in the eternal realm. May we always remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).