Hadith #3701

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) states,

The means of this world are discontinuous and its loans are [to be] returned.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (asbabu) "أسبابُ" in the Hadith refers to the means or resources of this world. These means are temporary and fleeting, as they come and go. They are not permanent and cannot be relied upon for everlasting success. This is in line with the Quranic verse 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.

Furthermore, the word (munqati'ah) "مُنْقَطِعَةٌ" in the Hadith emphasizes the discontinuity of these means. It highlights the fact that they are not reliable or consistent. Just as the waves of the ocean rise and fall, the resources of this world also fluctuate. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

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.

The Hadith also mentions that the loans of this world are to be returned. The word (awariha) "عَوَارِيهَا" refers to the loans or temporary possessions that we are bestowed with in this world. These possessions, such as wealth, status, and power, are not permanent and must be returned to their rightful owner, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is beautifully illustrated in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the temporary nature of the possessions we are granted. This Hadith serves as a reminder that our focus should not be solely on accumulating worldly possessions, but rather on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our true wealth lies in our faith, good deeds, and the love and obedience we have for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These are the investments that will yield eternal rewards. As Muslims, we should strive to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on building a strong relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the temporary nature of this world and the transient nature of its possessions. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the everlasting rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.