Hadith #3653

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) provides us with a deep insight into the nature of this worldly life. He begins by describing the world as a place of transience and impermanence, where destruction is inevitable and departure from it is destined for its inhabitants. The word (muniya) "مُنِيَ" in the Arabic text signifies that the world is a place that is destined for destruction. This highlights the temporary nature of worldly existence and emphasizes the need to focus on the eternal life hereafter.

This understanding is further supported by numerous Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting, and they will eventually fade away.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the world as "sweet and green" for those who desire it. This indicates that the world can be alluring and attractive to those who are captivated by its materialistic allurements. The word (khadira) "خَضِرَةٌ" here signifies the freshness and allure of worldly possessions and pleasures. However, the Imam warns us that this sweetness and greenness is deceptive, as it can lead one astray from the path of righteousness and distract them from the ultimate purpose of life.

The Quran also cautions us about the deceptive nature of worldly attractions. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that the allure of worldly possessions and pleasures can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to depart from this world with the best provision that is available to us. This provision refers to our good deeds, our faith, and our adherence to the teachings of Islam. It is through these provisions that we can secure success in the hereafter. The Imam emphasizes the importance of focusing on the essentials and not asking for more than what suffices. This teaches us the importance of contentment and moderation in our desires and ambitions.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of contentment and moderation. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly needs and our spiritual aspirations, avoiding excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound understanding of the nature of this worldly life. It reminds us of its transience, its deceptive allurements, and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter. By departing from this world with the best provision of good deeds and contentment, we can navigate through the challenges and temptations of this world while remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah guide us to understand the true nature of this world and enable us to prioritize our eternal success over temporary pleasures.