Hadith #3927

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not be enticed by the temporary pleasures and allurements of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against being deceived by the superficial goodness or attractiveness of worldly possessions, as they are transitory and will eventually be returned, while the consequences of indulging in forbidden actions will remain with us.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The term (al-'awari) "العَوارِي" refers to loans or temporary pleasures that may seem appealing in the present moment but are ultimately fleeting and impermanent. These loans can be metaphorical, representing any form of temporary enjoyment or indulgence that distracts us from our ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us not to be tempted by these loans, as they will eventually be returned. This implies that the temporary pleasures of this world will not last, and we should not prioritize them over the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Instead, we should focus on accumulating good deeds and avoiding forbidden actions, as they will have lasting consequences.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing the eternal:

(Quran 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. 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 that the worldly life is merely a temporary illusion, filled with fleeting pleasures and distractions. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of our existence lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us that while the loans of this world will be returned, the consequences of indulging in forbidden actions will remain with us. This highlights the importance of avoiding sinful acts and preserving our integrity and purity. The temporary pleasure derived from forbidden actions may seem enticing in the moment, but the lasting consequences can have a detrimental impact on our spiritual well-being and ultimately our eternal destiny.

In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of indulging in forbidden actions:

(Quran 17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of engaging in illicit sexual acts, highlighting the lasting negative consequences of such actions. It serves as a reminder that indulging in forbidden pleasures may provide temporary satisfaction but will ultimately lead to spiritual and moral degradation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, to focus on accumulating good deeds and avoiding forbidden actions. It calls us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and to strive for spiritual growth and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not be enticed by the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to prioritize the eternal rewards of the hereafter over the fleeting allurements of this world. By avoiding forbidden actions and focusing on accumulating good deeds, we can safeguard our spiritual well-being and strive for a righteous and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in this life and the hereafter.