Hadith #3919

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَرْغَبْ فِي كُلِّ ما يَفْنى وَيَذْهَبُ، فَكَفى بِذلِكَ مَضَرَّةً۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not desiring or becoming attached to things that are temporary and perishable. It warns against placing excessive value on worldly possessions and desires, as they ultimately lead to harm and detriment.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The word (raghb) "رغب" translates to "desire" or "longing." It refers to a strong inclination towards something, a yearning for its possession or attainment. The word (yafna) "يفنى" means "perishes" or "fades away." It signifies the transient nature of worldly things, which eventually lose their value and cease to exist. The word (yathhab) "يذهب" means "goes away" or "passes." It highlights the impermanence of material possessions and the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures.

To further elucidate the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (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 fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the transitory nature of material possessions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 true and lasting treasures are with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and that our focus should be on seeking His pleasure rather than being attached to the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal over the ephemeral. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires and pursuits that distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By not becoming overly attached to worldly possessions and desires, we protect ourselves from the harm and detriment that such attachments can bring.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of contentment and gratitude for what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with, rather than constantly yearning for more. It reminds us to focus on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world. By embodying the teachings of this Hadith, we cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly possessions and desires, enabling us to lead a more balanced and spiritually fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to refrain from desiring and becoming attached to things that are temporary and perishable. It reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the harm that excessive attachment to them can bring. By seeking guidance from the Quranic verses that emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, we are reminded to prioritize the eternal treasures of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the temporary and focus on what truly matters.