Hadith #4619

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous believers until the Day of Judgment.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ زَهِدَ فِي الدُّنيا أعْتَقَ نَفْسَهُ وأرْضى رَبَّهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who renounces [the pleasures of] this world frees himself and pleases his Lord.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The key word in this Hadith is (zahida) "زَهِدَ", which means to renounce or detach oneself from the materialistic attractions and desires of this world. It signifies a state of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions, ambitions, and distractions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that by adopting this attitude of renunciation, one not only frees oneself from the shackles of worldly attachments but also pleases their Lord. This implies that true liberation lies in detaching oneself from the temporary pleasures of this world and focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. However, it is crucial to note that the true goodness lies in pleasing Allah and striving for His pleasure.

Another verse that aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that the material possessions and worldly relationships are merely temporary adornments. The true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah, as they hold greater reward and hope for the believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life to come. By renouncing the allurements of this world, one can attain a state of freedom from the distractions and temptations that hinder their spiritual progress. This renunciation leads to contentment and satisfaction with what Allah has decreed for them, allowing them to please their Lord and earn His pleasure.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and worldly desires, we gain a deeper understanding of the transitory nature of this life. This realization motivates us to invest our time and efforts in actions that have everlasting consequences. By prioritizing acts of worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, and engaging in righteous deeds, we align ourselves with the path that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of adopting the mindset of renunciation are profound. It liberates us from the constant pursuit of worldly possessions, status, and recognition, which often lead to dissatisfaction and discontentment. By freeing ourselves from these attachments, we attain a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Moreover, this mindset enables us to focus on the true purpose of our existence, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the attractions of this world and prioritize their spiritual growth. By renouncing the temporary pleasures and distractions, we can attain freedom, contentment, and please our Lord. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, while prioritizing the pleasure of Allah above all else. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the spirit of renunciation and strive for His pleasure.