Hadith #3677

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الدُّنْيا ضُحَكَةُ مُسْتَعْبِر(مُغْتَرّ)" which translates to

This world is a laugh for the one whose tears flow [in sadness] (or for the one who is deluded by it).

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the transient nature and deceptive allure of worldly pleasures.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (dahakatu) "ضُحَكَةُ" refers to laughter or amusement, while (musta'bir) "مُسْتَعْبِر" or (mughtar) "مُغْتَرّ" denotes someone who is either shedding tears due to the sadness of this world or someone who is deluded by its temporary attractions.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary amusement that distracts people from the true purpose of their existence. It compares the allure of worldly possessions and achievements to the fleeting beauty of a plant that eventually withers away. Similarly, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the transitory nature of worldly pleasures and warns against being deluded by them.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 death is inevitable and that the true reward for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. It emphasizes that the pleasures of this world are merely illusory and deceptive, leading people astray from the ultimate truth and purpose of their existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain vigilant and not be deceived by the temporary joys and attractions of this world. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of worldly possessions, achievements, and pleasures, and to prioritize the pursuit of eternal happiness and salvation in the Hereafter.

Those who are deluded by the world are those who prioritize materialistic gains and indulge in worldly pleasures without considering the consequences of their actions. They become engrossed in the pursuit of wealth, power, and fame, neglecting their spiritual growth and the development of their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, those whose tears flow in sadness are individuals who recognize the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and are deeply affected by the impermanence and transience of this life. They shed tears of remorse for their sins and shortcomings, seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their tears are a manifestation of their awareness of the true purpose of life and their yearning for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach towards this world. While it is permissible to enjoy the blessings and provisions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in moderation, we should not allow ourselves to be consumed by worldly desires and attachments. Instead, we should strive to maintain a constant awareness of the temporary nature of this life and focus on actions that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal abode of Paradise.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain vigilant and not be deluded by the temporary attractions of this world. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal happiness and salvation in the Hereafter, recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the illusory nature of this life, we can strive to strike a balance between enjoying the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in moderation and prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.