Hadith #3620

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the nature of this worldly life and its relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He states that one of the signs of the insignificance and lowliness of this world before Allah is that disobedience to Him only occurs within it. Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the rewards and blessings that are with Allah cannot be attained except by abandoning the desires and attachments to this worldly life.

To fully understand the depth and significance of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (hawan) "هَوانِ" refers to the abasement, insignificance, and lowliness of something. It signifies the worthlessness and transitory nature of this worldly life in the sight of Allah. The word (yu'sa) "يُعْصَى" means to disobey or go against the commands of Allah. It encompasses all forms of disobedience, whether they are major sins or minor transgressions. The word (yunal) "يُنَالُ" means to attain or acquire something. In this context, it refers to obtaining the rewards, blessings, and proximity to Allah.

To support the exegesis of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and highlights that the true rewards and compensation will be given in the Hereafter. It further reinforces the idea that the pleasures and attractions of this world are merely illusions and distractions from the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that material possessions and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments. The true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah. These deeds are what truly bring us closer to Allah and secure His rewards.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith. He reminds us that the allurements and temptations of this worldly life can lead us astray and cause us to disobey Allah. It is in this world that we are tested with desires, distractions, and temptations that can divert us from the path of righteousness.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also provides us with hope and guidance. He tells us that the rewards and blessings that are with Allah can only be attained by abandoning the attachments and desires of this world. This means that we must prioritize our obedience to Allah over the fleeting pleasures and material possessions of this life. By doing so, we can attain the eternal rewards and proximity to Allah that are reserved for those who strive for His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), through this hadith, encourages us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and the transient nature of this world. He reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and to strive for the rewards that are with Him. By recognizing the insignificance of this world and prioritizing our obedience to Allah, we can attain true success and everlasting happiness in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to detach ourselves from the allurements of this world and to strive for His pleasure. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to attain the rewards and blessings that are with Him. Ameen.