Hadith #8354

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, "أوْقاتُ السُّرُورِ خُلْسَةٌ۔" This can be translated to mean,

Times of happiness are short-lived.

In order to understand the significance behind this statement, let us delve into the words used in this Hadith.

The word (awqat) "أوْقاتُ" refers to specific moments or periods of time. It signifies that happiness is not a constant state, but rather a fleeting experience that comes and goes. The word (suroor) "السُّرُورِ" refers to joy, delight, or contentment. It represents the feeling of happiness that one experiences in their life.

When we reflect upon this Hadith in light of the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the transient nature of worldly happiness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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 highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create.

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

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 reminds us that true happiness and ultimate fulfillment can only be attained in the hereafter, not in the fleeting pleasures of this worldly life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It urges us to recognize that the happiness we experience in this world is temporary and should not be our ultimate goal. Rather, our focus should be on seeking eternal happiness in the Hereafter by following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

When we reflect on the consequences of chasing after temporary happiness, we realize that it often leads to disappointment and dissatisfaction. Worldly pleasures, such as wealth, fame, or material possessions, may bring temporary joy, but they can never provide lasting contentment. This pursuit can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and strive for righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. Instead of seeking fleeting moments of happiness, we should focus on cultivating a strong connection with Allah and striving for the eternal happiness that awaits us in the Hereafter. This requires us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and live a righteous life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that times of happiness in this world are short-lived. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, focusing on seeking eternal happiness in the Hereafter. By reflecting on the transient nature of worldly pleasures and aligning our lives with the teachings of the Quran, we can attain true and everlasting happiness. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us eternal happiness in the Hereafter.