Hadith #3627

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the nature of this worldly life using powerful metaphors. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (غَرُورٌ) "ghurur", which means "deception" or "illusion". This word highlights the transient and deceptive nature of the worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the fleeting nature of this world, stating 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...

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes this world as (حَائِلٌ) "ha'il", meaning a "hindrance" or an "obstacle". This signifies that the allure of worldly possessions and desires can hinder us from attaining true success and spiritual growth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2),

The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves.

The next word used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (زَائِلٌ) "zal", which means "disappearing" or "transient". This emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60),

And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the worldly life as (سِنَادٌ) "sinad", which means a "bent pillar" or a "leaning support". This signifies the instability and fragility of worldly achievements and ambitions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:27),

Then We caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who is moderate, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah. That [inheritance] is what is the great bounty.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating that this world connects (العَطِيَّةَ) "atiyyah", meaning "bounty" or "favor", with (الرَزِيَّةِ) "riziyah", meaning "calamity" or "hardship". This highlights the intertwined nature of blessings and trials in this worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

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.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that this world connects (الأُمْنِيَّةَ) "umniyyah", meaning "aspiration" or "desire", with (المَنِيَّةِ) "maniyyah", meaning "death". This signifies that our worldly aspirations and desires are ultimately cut short by the inevitable reality of death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:8),

Say, 'Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do.'

Reflecting on this profound Hadith, we are reminded of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. It serves as a reminder to not be deceived by the allure of worldly possessions and desires, but rather to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations, always keeping in mind the transient nature of this world and the certainty of death.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us towards the path of righteousness. May we seek His pleasure and strive for success in both this life and the hereafter. Ameen.