Hadith #10591

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) advises us against giving in to our base desires and prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this worldly life. It warns us that if we allow ourselves to be swayed by these desires and pleasures, our faith will become corrupted and irreparable, and our souls will suffer loss rather than gain.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (turaḫḫiṣ) "تُرَخِّصْ" means to permit or allow oneself to indulge in something. In this context, it refers to giving oneself permission to submit to vain desires or to prioritize the pleasures of this world. The word (muṭāwaʿati) "مُطاوَعَةِ" means to be obedient or submissive to something. Here, it signifies being obedient to one's base desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against this submission to vain desires and urges us not to prefer the temporary pleasures of this world. The word (īthāri) "إيثارِ" means to prioritize or give preference to something. In this context, it refers to prioritizing the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life over the obligations and teachings of our faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 desires and pleasures, which can distract us from our true purpose in life. It reminds us that these pleasures are temporary and fleeting, while the ultimate reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. 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 transient nature of worldly life and its deceptive allure. It compares the attractions of this world to a rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of our existence lies in the Hereafter, and indulging in worldly desires can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their faith over worldly pleasures. By resisting the temptations of vain desires and seeking spiritual growth, we can safeguard our faith from corruption. We must remember that true success lies in the purification of our souls and the attainment of eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His words in this Hadith serve as a timeless reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith, to resist the allure of worldly pleasures, and to strive for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against allowing ourselves to be swayed by vain desires and the pleasures of this world. It reminds us that prioritizing these temporary attractions can corrupt our faith and lead to irreversible consequences. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can safeguard our faith, nurture our souls, and strive for eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the temptations of this world.