Hadith #3735

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of not becoming attached to worldly possessions and comforts. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to not be saddened or disheartened when we are deprived of something in this world, because it would have only been temporary. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (take comfort) "تَعَزَّ" and (deprived of it) "مُنِعْتَهُ". The word "تَعَزَّ" comes from the root word "عَزَّ" which means to find strength, honor, or comfort. It signifies finding solace and contentment in the face of deprivation or loss. The word "مُنِعْتَهُ" is derived from the root word "نَعَى" which means to prevent or withhold something. It refers to being denied or deprived of something that we desire or possess.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that worldly possessions and relationships are temporary adornments, while the good deeds we accumulate in this life are what truly matter in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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.

These verses remind us that the material possessions and worldly pleasures we strive for are fleeting and temporary. They are merely a means of adornment and amusement in this worldly life. The true value lies in our deeds and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to find comfort in the fact that the things we are deprived of would have only been with us for a short period of time. This perspective helps us detach ourselves from the transient nature of worldly possessions and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

For example, if we are denied a material possession, we can take comfort in knowing that it would have only brought us temporary pleasure or convenience. Instead, we can redirect our energy towards acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and helping others. By doing so, we accumulate lasting rewards and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, the spiritual over the material. It encourages us to seek contentment and strength in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than in worldly possessions. By adopting this mindset, we can find peace and tranquility even in times of deprivation or loss.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of not becoming attached to worldly possessions and comforts. It reminds us that the things we are deprived of in this world would have only been temporary. By finding solace in this understanding, we can redirect our focus towards the eternal rewards of the Hereafter and prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to internalize this lesson and live our lives in accordance with His guidance.