Hadith #3839

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لَمْ يَنَلْ أحَدٌ مِنَ الدُّنيا حَبْرَةً إلاّ أعْقَبَتْهُ عَبْرَةً۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Nobody gains any joy from this world but that it is followed by tears [of sorrow].

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used. The word (habrah) "حَبْرَةً" refers to a small amount or a momentary pleasure. It signifies the fleeting nature of worldly joys and pleasures. On the other hand, the word (abrah) "عَبْرَةً" refers to tears of sorrow or regret that follow the temporary joy.

This Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inevitable consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder that the pleasures of this world are temporary and often lead to disappointment and sorrow. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is drawing our attention to the fact that worldly pursuits may bring temporary happiness, but they are ultimately followed by sadness and regret.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. It likens the pursuits of this world to a rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that the joy we derive from worldly pursuits is short-lived and often followed by tears of regret.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60:

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and adornments of this world are temporary and fleeting. It urges us to reflect upon the true purpose of our existence and to prioritize the everlasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter. It aligns with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, emphasizing the transitory nature of worldly joy and the need to focus on the eternal blessings of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the nature of this world and the consequences of our actions. He reminds us that the temporary pleasures we seek in this life often lead to disappointment, regret, and tears. By highlighting this reality, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to shift our focus towards the eternal and everlasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the purpose of their existence and to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to detach ourselves from the fleeting pleasures of this world and to strive for the eternal happiness that can only be attained through obedience to Allah's commands.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of worldly joys and the inevitable sorrow that follows. It urges us to reflect upon the true purpose of our existence and to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By aligning this teaching with relevant Quranic verses, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound wisdom imparted by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek His pleasure and to prioritize the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.