Hadith #3729

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالفَناءِ تُخْتَمُ الدُّنْيا۔" This can be translated as,

This world ends with annihilation.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (fanaa) "فَناءِ" in Arabic refers to annihilation, extinction, or the end of something. It signifies the complete disappearance or destruction of an entity. In this context, it refers to the ultimate end and destruction of the materialistic aspects of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the transient nature of worldly possessions, desires, and attachments.

This concept of the ephemeral nature of the world is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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

This verse reminds us that the worldly pursuits and material possessions are merely temporary distractions, and they hold no real value in the grand scheme of things.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception.

This verse serves as a reminder that death is inevitable for every soul, and the true reward and success lie in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect upon the transient nature of this world. The pursuit of worldly desires and material possessions can often distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life in the hereafter. By recognizing the fleeting nature of the world, we can prioritize our efforts towards attaining true success and salvation.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder to Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to detach themselves from the allure of worldly possessions and focus on the eternal realm. It encourages us to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and perform righteous deeds that will benefit us in the everlasting life to come. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this detachment and prioritization throughout his life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "بِالفَناءِ تُخْتَمُ الدُّنْيا۔" conveys a impactful message about the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal realm. It reminds us to prioritize our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.