Hadith #3634

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 provides us with a deep insight into the nature of this worldly life. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (zahid) "زَهيدٌ" in Arabic refers to someone who is detached from the materialistic aspects of this world and focuses on the hereafter. It signifies a person who does not prioritize worldly possessions and pleasures. This is a quality highly praised in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the good of this world is insignificant, as compared to the eternal rewards of the hereafter. This is in line with the Quranic teachings that remind us of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on the everlasting life to come.

The word (atiq) "عَتيدٌ" in Arabic means something that is readily available or imminent. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the evil and hardships that are always present in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran:

(Quran 2:155)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the readiness of evil in this world, cautioning us to be prepared and steadfast in the face of difficulties.

The word (ladhdha) "لَذَّةٌ" in Arabic refers to pleasures or delights. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the pleasures of this world are little in comparison to the vastness of the hereafter. The Quran reminds us:

(Quran 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 the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of seeking the eternal delights of the hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to not be deceived by the fleeting joys of this world.

The word (hasra) "حَسْرَةٌ" in Arabic refers to regret or sorrow. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the regret of this world is long-lasting. This is a profound reminder of the consequences of our actions in this life. The Quran warns:

(Quran 25:27)

And [warn of] the Day when the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.

This verse highlights the regret that the wrongdoers will experience on the Day of Judgment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect upon our choices and actions in this world, as they have long-term consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the bounties of this world are often connected with misery, and its happiness is linked with misfortune. This is a reminder that worldly blessings are not always a true measure of success and happiness. The Quran states:

(Quran 2:216)

And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.

This verse highlights the wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in decreeing what is best for us, even if it may not align with our immediate desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to trust in the divine plan and not be deceived by the temporary nature of worldly happiness.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the benefit of this world is often joined with harm, and its sweetness is mixed with bitterness. This is a profound reflection on the dual nature of worldly experiences. The Quran reminds us:

(Quran 2:216)

Perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse emphasizes the limited knowledge and understanding of human beings. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to trust in the wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and recognize that even in the face of challenges and hardships, there may be hidden blessings and wisdom.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the hereafter over the temporary pleasures and trials of this world. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of life and focus on the eternal rewards that await us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.