Hadith #3640

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 world and the importance of detachment from its allurements. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (dunya) "دُنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm that we inhabit. It is derived from the root word (dana) "دَنَا", which means "to be near" or "to be low." This signifies that the world is transient and fleeting, always in a state of change and impermanence. 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 (sahib) "صَاحِب" refers to a companion or an associate. In this context, it signifies that the world does not remain loyal or faithful to anyone. It does not provide lasting companionship or fulfillment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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.

The word (sharib) "شَارِب" refers to a drinker. Here, it symbolizes those who seek satisfaction and pleasure from the world. However, the world is not pure or clean for such individuals. It may offer temporary gratification, but it cannot provide true contentment or spiritual nourishment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 9:28)

O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Haram after this, their [final] year.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that the bounties of this world are transient, constantly shifting and changing. They do not endure, and their pleasures eventually fade away. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 10:24)

The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday.

Despite the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, the consequences of our actions in this world remain. Our deeds have lasting effects and repercussions. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to turn away from the allurements of this world before it turns away from us. We should seek to substitute worldly attachments with something better, something that will bring us true and everlasting happiness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 17:19)

And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer - it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims. It urges us to detach ourselves from the transitory nature of this world and to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and allurements of this world, but instead, strive for a higher purpose and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to detach ourselves from the fleeting attractions of this world.