Hadith #3778

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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 danger of seeking tranquillity and contentment solely in the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that such a pursuit is one of the greatest deceptions that can lead a person astray from the path of righteousness and the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (sukoon) "سُكُونُ" refers to tranquillity, peace, or contentment. (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the soul. (ila) "إلَى" means towards or in the direction of. (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic life that we experience.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah warns us,

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that seeking contentment and fulfillment solely in the materialistic aspects of this world is a deceptive path. It is a path that can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

When a person becomes too attached to the worldly possessions, desires, and pleasures, they may lose sight of the bigger picture. They may forget the transient nature of this life and the fact that true tranquillity and everlasting contentment can only be found in the remembrance and obedience of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a call to Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and connection with Allah over the temporary allurements of this world. It urges us to seek tranquillity and contentment through acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of materialistic gains.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the dangers of becoming attached to worldly possessions. He himself lived a life of simplicity and detachment from the materialistic aspects of this world. His example serves as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to focus on the eternal and prioritize our actions accordingly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the deceptive nature of seeking tranquillity solely in the pleasures and attractions of this world. It calls upon Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and connection with Allah, recognizing that true contentment and everlasting peace can only be found in the remembrance and obedience of our Creator. May Allah guide us all to the right path and protect us from the deceptions of this world.