Hadith #60

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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 compares the people of the world to travelers who are being carried while they are asleep. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications.

The term (the people of the world) "أَهْلُ الدُّنْيَا" refers to those who are engrossed in the materialistic aspects of life and are oblivious to the spiritual realm. They prioritize worldly pursuits and are consumed by their desires and ambitions. This includes individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation.

The word (like travelers) "كَرَكْبٍ" signifies the transient nature of our existence in this world. Just as travelers are on a journey from one place to another, we are also on a journey from this earthly life to the eternal life hereafter. Our time in this world is limited, and we are constantly moving towards our ultimate destination.

The phrase (being carried) "يُسَارُ بِهِمْ" implies that we are not in control of our own journey. We are being carried, guided, and directed by the Divine Will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our lives are orchestrated by His wisdom and decree, and it is through His mercy and guidance that we navigate through the challenges and blessings of this world.

The phrase (while they are asleep) "وَهُمْ نِيَامٌ" highlights the state of unawareness and heedlessness that engulfs the people of the world. Just as sleepers are oblivious to their surroundings, the people of the world are often unaware of the true purpose of their existence and the spiritual realities that surround them. They are engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures and are negligent of their spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64:

This worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter. The people of the world are engrossed in the distractions and amusements of this life, unaware of the true purpose and significance of their existence.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. The people of the world are attached to the materialistic aspects of life, seeking fulfillment and happiness in temporary things. However, true fulfillment and everlasting happiness can only be found in the remembrance and obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) comparison of the people of the world to travelers who are asleep serves as a wake-up call for us as Muslims. It reminds us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to awaken from the slumber of heedlessness. We must strive to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our eternal journey towards the hereafter. It reminds us to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and cultivate good character, as these are the provisions that will benefit us in the everlasting life to come.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to awaken from the slumber of heedlessness and to prioritize our eternal journey. May we strive to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Ameen.