Hadith #7764

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 imparts a deep wisdom about the transient nature of worldly possessions and actions. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (تُرَابِ) "turaab", which means dust or earth. It symbolizes the temporary nature of our existence in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Surah Al-Muminun, 23:35)

From the earth We created you, and into it We shall return you

This verse emphasizes the reality that our physical bodies are created from the earth and will eventually return to it.

The second word is (خَرَابِ) "kharaab", meaning destruction or ruin. It signifies the impermanence of the structures and buildings that we construct in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:185)

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion

This verse reminds us that the material possessions we accumulate and the structures we build will eventually perish.

The third word is (ذِّهَابِ) "dhihaab", which means to perish or vanish. It highlights the fleeting nature of the wealth and possessions we amass in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran, (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:28)

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward

This verse reminds us that our worldly possessions are merely a test from Allah, and they will not accompany us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then concludes the hadith by stating that our actions are recorded in a book and stored for the Day of Accounting. This emphasizes the importance of our deeds and the eternal consequences they hold. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in the Quran, (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it

This verse highlights the meticulous recording of our actions, both good and bad, and their ultimate manifestation on the Day of Judgment.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on our eternal life in the Hereafter. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our actions and intentions, as they will be the basis for our accountability on the Day of Judgment. We should strive to accumulate good deeds and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly possessions and achievements.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions and actions. It urges us to focus on the eternal consequences of our deeds and to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and prepare for the Day of Accounting.