Hadith #3644

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) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and warns us of its deceptive allure. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by describing the world as "sweet and fresh." This phrase captures the initial attraction and allure that the world holds for us. It is natural for human beings to be drawn towards the pleasures and comforts that this world offers. However, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immediately follows this description with a cautionary note.

He states that the world is

surrounded by [lustful] desires.

This highlights the fact that the world is filled with temptations and distractions that can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. The desires of the world, if not controlled and channeled in the right direction, can become a source of spiritual and moral corruption.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the world as a place that "delights with little." This emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. We may experience temporary joy and satisfaction from material possessions or worldly achievements, but they do not provide lasting fulfillment. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in wealth and children.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that the world is

adorned with hopes and embellished with vanities.

This highlights the tendency of human beings to chase after worldly ambitions and false aspirations. We often become engrossed in the pursuit of wealth, fame, and power, thinking that they will bring us happiness and contentment. However, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46) that the wealth and possessions of this world are nothing but

the enjoyment of this worldly life,

and the Hereafter is far better and everlasting.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by stating that the world's exhilaration does not last and its afflictions cannot be avoided. This highlights the impermanence and unpredictability of worldly pleasures and the inevitability of hardships and trials. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the world as

deceitful, harmful, volatile, evanescent, perishing, transient, devouring, and destructive.

These powerful words paint a vivid picture of the true nature of this worldly life. The world can deceive us with its temporary allure, leading us away from the path of righteousness. It can be harmful to our spiritual well-being, distracting us from our ultimate purpose in life. It is volatile and ever-changing, making it impossible to rely on its stability. It is evanescent and perishing, reminding us of the temporary nature of our existence. It is transient, constantly passing away, and it can devour and destroy those who become too attached to it.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. We are reminded to seek true fulfillment and contentment through the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the practice of good deeds, and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. We are reminded to detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset and to focus on building a strong relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the transient nature and deceptive allure of this worldly life. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness, knowing that true fulfillment lies in the eternal life of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate this world with wisdom and to strive for success in both worlds.