Hadith #3933

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world does not protect the one who seeks refuge in it.

Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (la ta'sim) "لا تعصم" in this Hadith is derived from the root word (asama) "عَصَمَ", which means to protect, preserve, or grant immunity. It implies that the world, with all its material possessions and worldly allurements, cannot provide true protection or security to those who solely rely on it.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where 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.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the worldly life is transient and fleeting. It may provide temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but it cannot offer lasting protection or fulfillment. Just as the rainwater nourishes the plants, making them flourish for a while, it eventually dries up, withers away, and turns into scattered debris. Similarly, the world may seem enticing and promising, but it ultimately fails to safeguard those who solely rely on it.

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

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 and attractiveness of worldly possessions, such as wealth, family, and material goods. While these things may bring temporary pleasure and enjoyment, they cannot provide true protection or lasting happiness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the ultimate return and reward lie with Him, not in the transient pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that relying solely on worldly possessions and seeking refuge in them is futile. True protection and security can only be found in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His guidance. The world may offer temporary comfort, but it cannot shield us from the trials and tribulations of life or grant us eternal salvation.

By recognizing the limitations of the world and redirecting our focus towards the Hereafter, we can attain true protection and security. This entails seeking Allah's pleasure, following His commandments, and striving for righteousness. It means placing our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on Him as our ultimate protector and guardian.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not be deluded by the temporary attractions and false promises of this world. It emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on His protection, rather than placing our trust in worldly possessions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the transient.