Hadith #3705

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 advises Muslims to turn away from the worldly affairs and be uninterested in them if they have truly understood their own affairs and recognized themselves. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this world and warns that it is not the abode of true happiness and felicity.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (aqalta) "عَقَلْتَ" means "you have understood" or "you have comprehended." It refers to having a deep understanding and awareness of one's own affairs and the world around them. The word (ma'rifah) "مَعْرِفَةَ" means "recognition" or "knowledge." It signifies having a profound knowledge and understanding of oneself.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims that once they have attained this level of understanding and self-recognition, they should turn away from the allurements of this world. The word (a'ridh) "أَعْرِضْ" means "to turn away" or "to be uninterested." It implies a deliberate detachment from the materialistic pursuits and attractions of this world.

To support this advice, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and highlights their deceptive nature. It reminds us that true happiness and contentment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and focusing on the eternal life of the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes this world as the

abode of the wretched

and not the abode of the felicitous. The word (ashqiya) "أَشْقِيَاءِ" refers to the wretched, miserable, or unfortunate individuals. It implies that those who solely chase after worldly pleasures and neglect their spiritual growth are ultimately destined for misery and disappointment.

This description aligns with the teachings of the Quran. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse illustrates the transient nature of worldly possessions and the inevitable decay and dispersal of material wealth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the deceptive nature of this world. He states that its splendor is spurious, its beauty is deceptive, its clouds are scattered, and its bounties are taken back. These descriptions highlight the temporary and illusory nature of worldly pleasures. The splendor and beauty of this world may entice individuals, but they are ultimately fleeting and do not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment.

The Quran also emphasizes the deceptive nature of this world. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), 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.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life of the hereafter. He warns against being consumed by the temporary pleasures and attractions of this world, as they can distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead to disappointment and regret.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound knowledge and wisdom shine through in this Hadith. He reminds us that true happiness and felicity lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for spiritual growth. By turning away from the transient nature of this world, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true value of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.