Hadith #303

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,

لَوْرَأَى الْعَبْدُ الاْجَلَ وَمَسِيرَهُ لاَبْغَضَ الاْمَلَ وَغُرُورَهُ۔

which translates to,

If a man happens to see the end of (his) life and his final fate, he will begin hating desires and their deception.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (desires) "الاْمَلَ" and (deception) "غُرُورَهُ". The word "الاْمَلَ" refers to the hopes, aspirations, and worldly desires that captivate and entice individuals. These desires can range from material possessions, wealth, power, fame, and other worldly pursuits. On the other hand, "غُرُورَهُ" refers to the deceptive nature of these desires, the illusion they create, and the false promises they make.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the dangers of desires and their deception. For instance, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the emptiness they ultimately bring.

Furthermore, 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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly desires and encourages us to reflect upon the eternal rewards that lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith highlights the transformative power of witnessing the end of one's life and the consequences of worldly desires. When a person truly comprehends the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the ultimate fate that awaits them, they develop a disdain for desires and their deceptive allure. This realization leads them to prioritize the pursuit of the eternal and everlasting rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, imagine a person who has spent their life tirelessly chasing after wealth, fame, and power. However, when they witness the end of their life and the futility of these pursuits, they realize that their efforts were in vain. They understand that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness. This newfound understanding leads them to redirect their focus towards acts of worship, charity, and selflessness.

The consequences of this realization are profound. By hating desires and their deception, individuals become more content with what they have and are less inclined to chase after material possessions. They develop a sense of detachment from the transient nature of this world and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This transformation brings about inner peace, tranquility, and a sense of purpose in life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing the temporary nature of worldly desires and their deceptive allure. By witnessing the end of one's life and reflecting upon the consequences of these desires, individuals develop a disdain for them and prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards. This realization leads to a transformation in mindset, resulting in a more content and purposeful life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of desires and guide us towards the path of righteousness.