Hadith #4573

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,

أحْسَنُ مَلابِسِ الدُّنيا رَفْضُها۔

This can be translated as,

The best garment (or better than wearing the garment) of this world is renouncing it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (malabis) "مَلابِسِ" in this Hadith refers to garments or clothing. It symbolizes the material possessions and worldly attachments that we accumulate in our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that the best way to adorn ourselves in this world is by renouncing these material possessions and attachments.

This concept of renouncing worldly possessions finds its roots in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly attachments we accumulate are transient and fleeting. They are like the vegetation that withers away after the rain. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to recognize the temporary nature of this world and to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Taghabun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary illusion, filled with distractions and temptations. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding us to detach ourselves from the allure of this world and to focus on the true purpose of our existence - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By renouncing the material possessions and attachments of this world, we free ourselves from the shackles of greed, envy, and attachment. This act of renunciation allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to focus on acts of worship, charity, and selflessness, which are the true garments that beautify our souls.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets an example for us through his own life. He was known for his asceticism and detachment from worldly possessions. Despite being the caliph and having access to wealth and power, he lived a simple and humble life. His knowledge and piety were his true garments, which adorned his character and made him a role model for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of renouncing the material possessions and attachments of this world. It reminds us that true adornment lies in detachment from the temporary and focusing on the eternal. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true inner beauty and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to renounce the allure of this world.