Hadith #7165

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 highlights the qualities of an intelligent person. The key words in this Hadith are (zahida) "زَهِدَ", (dunya) "دُنْيا", (jannah) "جَنَّة", (saniyya) "سَنِيَّة", and (aliya) "عالِيَة".

The word (zahida) "زَهِدَ" means to abstain or renounce. It refers to the act of willingly detaching oneself from the materialistic and worldly desires. It is the quality of being content with what is necessary and not being attached to the temporary pleasures of this world.

The term (dunya) "دُنْيا" refers to the worldly life and its transient nature. It encompasses the material possessions, wealth, and desires that are fleeting and temporary. It is a reminder that the pleasures of this world are short-lived and will eventually perish.

On the other hand, (jannah) "جَنَّة" refers to Paradise, the eternal abode of bliss and reward that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised to the righteous believers. It is a place of everlasting joy, peace, and fulfillment.

The words (saniyya) "سَنِيَّة" and (aliya) "عالِيَة" describe the qualities of Paradise. (saniyya) "سَنِيَّة" means sublime or lofty, indicating the elevated status and grandeur of Paradise. (aliya) "عالِيَة" means high or exalted, emphasizing the superiority and honor of Paradise.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

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 reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our deeds will be given on the Day of Resurrection. The pleasures and attractions of this world are merely temporary and illusory. The intelligent person recognizes this reality and chooses to detach themselves from the allurements of the worldly life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary joy and satisfaction, the true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah. The intelligent person understands this and directs their focus towards the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in recognizing the temporary nature of this world and striving for the eternal rewards of Paradise. By abstaining from the lowly, perishing world and desiring the sublime, everlasting, lofty Paradise, one attains true wisdom and understanding.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. By focusing on the eternal rewards and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can attain true success and fulfillment.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the transient nature of this world and the strength to strive for the everlasting rewards of Paradise. May we be among those who are intelligent in their choices and actions, and may we be granted the highest levels of Paradise.