Hadith #3612

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he warns us about the deceptive nature of this worldly life and the consequences it can have on an individual. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings, and then relate it to the teachings of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (gharrathu) "غَرَّتْهُ", which means to deceive or mislead. The world, with its temporary and fleeting pleasures, has the ability to deceive and distract individuals from the true purpose of their existence. It entices them with unfeasible aspirations and false hopes, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

The second important word is (muhal al-amal) "مُحالِ الآمالِ", which refers to unfeasible aspirations or unrealistic expectations. This phrase highlights the futility of placing excessive hope and reliance on worldly possessions and achievements. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the temporary allurements of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the consequences of falling into the trap of this worldly deception. He states that such an individual is (awrathathu kamahan) "أورَثَتْهُ كَمَهاً", which means that he is made to lose his eyesight and get covered by blindness. This metaphorical blindness represents the spiritual blindness that engulfs a person who becomes engrossed in the materialistic pursuits of this world. It blinds them from recognizing the true purpose of their existence and the reality of the Hereafter.

Moreover, the Hadith states that this deception (qata'athu 'ani al-ukhra) "قَطَعَتْهُ عَنِ الأُخْرَى", meaning it cuts him off from the Hereafter. This highlights the detrimental effect of worldly attachments on an individual's spiritual journey. When one becomes excessively attached to the material possessions and desires of this world, they neglect their spiritual growth and distance themselves from the path that leads to eternal success.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that this deception (awradathu mawarid al-radda) "أوْرَدَتْهُ مَوارِدَ الرَّدى", which means it makes him enter into places of destruction. This phrase emphasizes the ultimate consequence of being deceived by the world. It leads one towards destruction and ruin, both in this life and in the Hereafter. By prioritizing worldly pursuits over the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness, individuals expose themselves to the perils of a misguided and unfulfilled existence.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the deceptive nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. 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. 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 reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are like a passing rain that brings temporary growth but ultimately withers away. The true purpose of life lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving for success in the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the delusions and distractions of this world.

Another verse that resonates with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, where Allah says,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the possessions and adornments of this world are temporary and fleeting. The true and lasting rewards lie with Allah, in the Hereafter. It urges us to reflect and use our intellect to prioritize the eternal over the temporary.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the deceptive nature of this worldly life. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and aspirations, we can safeguard ourselves from falling into the trap of materialism and spiritual blindness. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the deceptions of this world.