Hadith #4807

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ سُرُور مُتَنَغِّصٌ۔" which translates to

Every joy [in this world] turns sour [eventually].

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek everlasting joy and contentment in the hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us reflect upon some key words. The word (surur) "سُرُور" refers to joy, happiness, or delight. It encompasses the temporary pleasures and joys that we experience in this world. The word (mutanaghis) "مُتَنَغِّصٌ" means to turn sour or become bitter. It signifies the eventual fading away or loss of the joy that we derive from worldly possessions or experiences.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. 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 pleasures and highlights that they are merely temporary distractions. Just like a plant that withers away after a period of growth, the joys of this world eventually fade and lose their appeal. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to not become too attached to material possessions or worldly achievements, as they are transient in nature.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that the true reward and everlasting joy can only be attained in the hereafter. The pleasures of this world are temporary and illusory, and they cannot compare to the eternal bliss that awaits the believers in Paradise. Therefore, Muslims should prioritize their efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not become attached to the fleeting joys of this world. It encourages us to focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth, righteousness, and the attainment of eternal happiness in the hereafter. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures, we can strive for a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek contentment in His pleasure rather than in temporary material possessions.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on life. While it is natural to experience moments of joy and happiness in this world, we should not allow ourselves to become consumed by them. Instead, we should constantly remind ourselves of the impermanence of worldly pleasures and focus on cultivating a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Every joy [in this world] turns sour [eventually]

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to not become attached to the temporary joys of this world. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal happiness in the hereafter and to seek contentment in the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures, we can strive for a deeper connection with our Creator and find true and lasting joy in His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to detach ourselves from the allure of this world.