Hadith #3661

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of being attached to this worldly life, despite witnessing its constant changes and uncertainties. The word (ar-rukun) "الرُّكُونُ" in the Hadith refers to the inclination or attachment towards something. In this context, it signifies the inclination towards the materialistic aspects of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such inclination towards the world, despite its fickleness and instability, is a clear sign of ignorance. This ignorance stems from a lack of understanding and recognition of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the true purpose of our existence.

To further understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says:

(Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in wealth and children. It is like rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the deceptive allure they hold. It reminds us that indulging in the materialistic aspects of this world is akin to chasing after an illusion, as it will ultimately fade away and leave us empty-handed.

Another verse that resonates with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran:

(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.

This verse highlights the various attractions of this world that captivate human hearts, such as wealth, power, and material possessions. However, it reminds us that true fulfillment and the ultimate reward lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, spiritual growth, and the development of their relationship with Allah over the transient pleasures of this world. By recognizing the impermanence of worldly possessions, we can free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this detachment from the world through his profound knowledge, wisdom, and ascetic lifestyle. His devotion to Allah and his detachment from worldly desires allowed him to become a beacon of guidance and a source of inspiration for Muslims throughout history.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming attached to the fleeting pleasures and materialistic aspects of this world. It urges us to seek knowledge, spiritual growth, and the pleasure of Allah, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the temporary allure of this world.