Hadith #3796

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

غِذاءُ الدُّنيا سِمامٌ، وأسْبابُها رِمامٌ۔

This Hadith carries a impactful message about the nature of worldly possessions and the means by which they are attained.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghidha) "غِذاءُ" refers to food or sustenance, while (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm in which we currently reside. The word (simam) "سِمامٌ" is translated as poison, indicating that the food of this world is harmful and detrimental to our spiritual well-being. Similarly, the word (asbabuha) "أسْبابُها" means means or causes, and (rimam) "رِمامٌ" refers to worn-out or weak ropes, symbolizing the fragility and transience of the means by which worldly possessions are acquired.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah 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 - 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 fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and possessions. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they ultimately wither away and become worthless. Just like the rain that nourishes the plants but eventually dries up, the allure of worldly possessions fades away, leaving us empty-handed.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 45, where Allah 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 beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of worldly possessions. Just as the rainwater mixes with the earth and eventually dries up, our worldly possessions and pursuits will also fade away. They are like worn-out ropes that can no longer hold us securely.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not become attached to the materialistic aspects of this world. Instead, we should focus on the eternal life and seek sustenance that nourishes our souls. The pursuit of worldly possessions can distract us from our true purpose and lead us astray.

By likening the foods of this world to poison, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the harmful effects of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. Just as poison can slowly destroy our physical health, an obsession with material wealth can corrode our spiritual well-being. It can lead to greed, arrogance, and a neglect of our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the means by which worldly possessions are acquired to worn-out ropes. These means, such as deceit, dishonesty, and exploitation, are weak and unreliable. They may provide temporary gains, but they lack the strength and durability to sustain us in the long run. Moreover, relying on such means can have severe consequences both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reevaluate their priorities and detach themselves from the allure of worldly possessions. It reminds us that true sustenance lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for spiritual growth. We should focus on acquiring knowledge, performing good deeds, and nurturing our relationship with Allah and His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims about the harmful nature of worldly possessions and the weak means by which they are attained. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over materialistic pursuits. By reflecting on the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the hereafter, we can strive to lead a balanced and purposeful life, seeking sustenance that nourishes our souls and brings us closer to Allah. May Allah guide us all on the right path and grant us the wisdom to understand the deeper meanings of His words.