Hadith #8057

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious and vigilant in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of not being deceived by the allure of temporary pleasures or being hindered by insignificant obstacles. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound advice in light of the Quran.

The word (ghuroor) "غُرُورُ" in the Hadith refers to the delusion or deception that can cloud our judgment and lead us astray. It warns us not to be deceived by the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 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.

The word (ha'il) "حَائِلِ" in the Hadith refers to a small hindrance or obstacle. It warns us not to be deterred by minor challenges or setbacks in our pursuit of righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in the Quran, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

The word (suroor) "سُّرُورُ" in the Hadith refers to the joy or happiness that can distract us from our ultimate purpose. It warns us not to be lured by the temporary pleasures of this world, which can lead us away from the path of righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and not to be swayed by the temporary allure of this world. It urges us to prioritize our eternal life over the fleeting pleasures and obstacles of this worldly existence. By remaining vigilant and focused on our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can navigate through the challenges and distractions of life with wisdom and resilience.

For example, when faced with the temptation of material wealth, we should remember the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran, (Quran 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 worldly possessions are merely a test, and our true reward lies in the hereafter.

Similarly, when confronted with obstacles and difficulties, we should draw strength from the Quranic verse, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse reassures us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and our patience and reliance on Allah will ultimately lead to reward and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith. It warns against being deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world and being hindered by insignificant obstacles. By prioritizing our eternal life and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can navigate through the challenges and distractions of life with wisdom and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to stay on the right path.