Hadith #3623

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the world to a ghoul. To understand the deeper meaning of this analogy, let us first explore the important words used in this Hadith.

The word "ghoul" is derived from the Arabic root "gh-w-l," which means to seize or snatch. A ghoul is a mythical creature in Arabic folklore that is known for its deceptive nature and its ability to mislead and harm people. It is often associated with darkness, danger, and destruction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the world as a ghoul because it has a similar deceptive nature. The world entices and seduces those who are obedient to its desires, leading them astray from the path of righteousness. It promises temporary pleasures and material gains, but ultimately brings destruction and ruin to those who become attached to it.

To further understand the implications of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment, and that the hereafter is the true abode of everlasting happiness. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

The Quranic verses emphasize the transient nature of the world and its deceptive allure. They caution us against being captivated by its temporary pleasures and remind us to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. The world may seem attractive and enticing, but it is ultimately fleeting and will soon pass away.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) analogy of the world as a ghoul serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their pursuit of worldly desires. It serves as a wake-up call to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world.

Those who blindly follow the world and its desires are easily misguided and led astray from the path of righteousness. They become slaves to their desires and lose sight of their true purpose in life. They are consumed by materialism, greed, and selfishness, which ultimately leads to their spiritual destruction.

On the other hand, those who respond to the world's temptations and become attached to its transient pleasures are also doomed to suffer. They may achieve temporary success and wealth, but they will eventually realize the emptiness and futility of their pursuits. Their attachment to the world blinds them from the true purpose of their existence and prevents them from attaining true happiness and fulfillment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that the world is quick in its disappearance and imminent in its transference. This highlights the impermanence and unpredictability of worldly affairs. Wealth, power, and status can vanish in an instant, and one's position in this world can change rapidly. Therefore, it is unwise to place our trust and reliance solely on the transient nature of the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their relationship with the world. It warns against blindly following its desires and becoming attached to its transient pleasures. Instead, we should focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter and prioritize our spiritual growth and well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate the challenges of this world and to attain success in the hereafter.