Hadith #1618

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 vividly describes the rule of the Umayyads by comparing it to a spittle from the deliciousness of this temporary life. To fully understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The word (مُجاجَةٌ) "mujajah" used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to spittle or saliva. It symbolizes something insignificant and contemptible, something that is easily discarded and has no real value. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses this word to emphasize the insignificance and transitory nature of the rule of the Umayyads.

The phrase (مِنْ لَذيدِ العَيْشِ) "min lathid al-'aysh" means

from the deliciousness of life.

It refers to the fleeting pleasures and materialistic pursuits that the Umayyads indulged in during their rule. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that these pleasures are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the Umayyads

taste it for a short while and then spit it all out.

This signifies the ephemeral nature of their rule and the eventual downfall and rejection they faced. Just as one spits out something worthless, the Umayyads were ultimately discarded by the Muslim community due to their unjust and oppressive actions.

To support the exegesis of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate reality of death and the Hereafter. It echoes the sentiment expressed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his hadith, highlighting the insignificance and transitory nature of the Umayyad rule.

Furthermore, 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 reminds us that the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting. It urges us to reflect on the true purpose of life and the eternal rewards that await us in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws a parallel to this concept in his hadith, highlighting the emptiness and insignificance of the Umayyad rule in the grand scheme of things.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a reminder to Muslims of the transitory nature of worldly power and materialistic pursuits. It urges us to focus on the eternal and lasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter. The Umayyad rule, characterized by its injustices and oppression, serves as a cautionary tale for Muslims throughout history.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge and wisdom shine through in this hadith, as he eloquently captures the essence of the Umayyad rule and its ultimate insignificance. As Muslims, we should reflect on the lessons embedded in this hadith and strive to prioritize our actions and aspirations in light of the eternal truth and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.