Hadith #3659

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When lastingness is not found, then bounties are short-lived.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly blessings and the impermanence of material possessions.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (baqaa) "بَقَاء" refers to lastingness or permanence, while (na'eem) "نَعِيم" signifies bounties or blessings. The word (za'il) "زَائِل" means short-lived or fleeting.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20: (57:20)

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.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the fleeting nature of material possessions. Just as a plant withers and dies after a brief period of growth, the bounties of this world eventually fade away.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly possessions and the temporary pleasure they bring. However, it also reminds us that the true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true source of lasting happiness and fulfillment lies in the spiritual realm, rather than the material world. While we may enjoy the bounties of this world, we must not become attached to them or rely on them for our ultimate happiness. Instead, we should focus on cultivating our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in this Hadith. He understood that the transient nature of worldly bounties is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to see if we become attached to them or if we recognize their temporary nature and prioritize our spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to detach ourselves from the material world and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. We should use the blessings bestowed upon us to serve Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit others, rather than allowing them to distract us from our ultimate purpose in life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the temporary nature of worldly bounties and the strength to prioritize our spiritual growth. May He bless us with lasting happiness and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.