Hadith #3635

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the world as a deceiving beguiler, constantly changing and unpredictable. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghararrah) "غَرّارَةٌ" in the Hadith refers to something that deceives and deludes. It implies that the world entices and captivates individuals, leading them astray from the path of righteousness. This is reminiscent of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the allure of worldly possessions:

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the world as (khadoon) "خَدُوعٌ", meaning it gives and takes back. This highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the temporary nature of material wealth. The Quran also emphasizes this aspect in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the world is (mu'tiyatun manu'un) "مُعْطِيَةٌ مَنُوعٌ", meaning it clothes and then unclothes. This signifies the fleeting nature of worldly blessings and comforts. Just as clothing can be easily worn and discarded, the pleasures of this world are temporary and can be taken away at any moment. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60) echoes this sentiment:

But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah is Knowing of the corrupters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by stating that the comforts of this world do not last, its hardships do not cease, and its calamities do not end. This highlights the perpetual cycle of ups and downs that one experiences in this worldly life. The Quran affirms this reality in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155):

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the fleeting nature of material comforts. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the eternal life of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. We should strive to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in the face of worldly temptations and to constantly strive for the eternal rewards of the hereafter. It urges us to seek contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prioritize our spiritual growth over material pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.