Hadith #3712

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily you have not been created for this world, so renounce it and turn away from it.

This impactful saying emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and encourages Muslims to detach themselves from its allurements.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tukhlaq) "تُخلَقَْ" means "to be created" or

to be brought into existence.

It highlights the purpose of our existence, which is not solely for the enjoyment of this worldly life. The word (azhad) "أزْهَدْ" means "to renounce" or "to detach oneself." It signifies the need to detach from the materialistic aspects of this world and focus on the spiritual realm. The word (a'ridh) "أعْرِضْ" means "to turn away" or

to divert one's attention.

It emphasizes the importance of redirecting our focus from the temporary pleasures of this world towards the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 32:

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

This verse echoes the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the superiority of the eternal life to come.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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?

These verses from the Quran serve as a reminder that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and illusory. They are merely distractions that divert us from our true purpose, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The pursuit of worldly possessions and desires can lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of attaining paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of this world. By doing so, we can focus on our spiritual development and strive for the eternal rewards of the hereafter. This renunciation does not mean complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities, but rather a mindset that prioritizes the pursuit of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world, we become less attached to its transient nature. This detachment allows us to overcome the anxieties and worries that often accompany worldly pursuits. Instead, we find solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteous deeds.

Moreover, turning away from the world enables us to develop a sense of contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We recognize that true happiness lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the pleasure of our Creator. This mindset allows us to navigate the challenges of life with patience and resilience, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that our purpose in this world extends beyond the pursuit of temporary pleasures. By renouncing the materialistic aspects of this world and turning our attention towards the eternal rewards of the hereafter, we can attain true contentment and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the allurements of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.