Hadith #3831

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims about the importance of true certitude and the falsehood of claiming certainty in the eternal while still being attached to the transient. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (kathiba) "كَذِبَ" in the Hadith translates to "lied" in English. It conveys the idea of falsehood and deception. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that anyone who claims to have certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the transient is essentially deceiving themselves and others.

The term (al-yaqeen) "اليَقينَ" refers to certitude or absolute certainty. It signifies a deep and unwavering conviction in something. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of true and genuine certitude, which can only be attained by detaching oneself from the transient and focusing on the eternal.

The word (al-baqi) "الباقي" translates to the eternal or the everlasting. It refers to that which is permanent and enduring, in contrast to the transient and temporary nature of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning against claiming certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the fleeting and temporary aspects of life.

On the other hand, the term (muwasilun lil-fani) "مُواصِلٌ لِلفاني" refers to being attached or connected to the transient. It signifies a person's involvement and preoccupation with the temporary aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the contradiction and falsehood of claiming certitude in the eternal while still being engrossed in the temporary.

To further understand the wisdom behind 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 emphasizes the transient nature of this world and the temporary pleasures it offers. It serves as a reminder that our focus should not be solely on the materialistic aspects of life, but rather on the eternal and everlasting. Claiming certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the transient is akin to deceiving oneself and denying the reality of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 death is inevitable for every soul, and the true reward and compensation will be given in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as the enjoyment of delusion, highlighting its temporary and illusory nature. Claiming certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the transient is a contradiction that goes against the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to reflect upon their actions and priorities. True certitude can only be attained by detaching ourselves from the temporary distractions of this world and focusing on the eternal. It requires a shift in mindset and a conscious effort to prioritize the Hereafter over worldly desires and attachments.

By claiming certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the transient, one not only deceives themselves but also fails to fully comprehend the purpose of their existence. It is essential for Muslims to strive for true certitude by aligning their actions and priorities with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek true certitude by detaching themselves from the transient and focusing on the eternal. It highlights the falsehood of claiming certitude in the eternal while still being attached to the temporary aspects of this world. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the transient nature of this world, we can better understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words and strive to attain true certitude in the eternal. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of true certitude and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.