Hadith #3746

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Wretchedness, annihilation, destruction and ruin have been decreed for the people of this world.

This impactful Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly life and serves as a reminder of the ultimate fate that awaits those who solely focus on material pursuits.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (شَّقَاءِ) "shaqaa" refers to wretchedness or misery, indicating a state of extreme unhappiness and suffering. (فَنَاءِ) "Fanaa" means annihilation or extinction, pointing towards the eventual end and disappearance of everything in this world. (دَّمَارِ) "Damar" signifies destruction, emphasizing the inevitable downfall and ruin that awaits those who prioritize worldly gains. Lastly, (بَوَارِ) "bawaar" refers to utter ruin or perdition, highlighting the complete and irreversible destruction that befalls those who are engrossed in worldly pursuits.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. It compares the allure of worldly life to a temporary amusement that eventually fades away. Just as a plant withers and turns to debris, so too do the material possessions and achievements of this world lose their value and significance.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. It reminds us that true success lies in attaining salvation in the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the deceptive pleasures and distractions of this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and the attainment of Allah's pleasure over worldly gains. It warns against becoming attached to material possessions and indulging in the temporary pleasures of this world, as they ultimately lead to wretchedness, annihilation, destruction, and ruin.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, Muslims are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach to life, striving for success in both the worldly and spiritual realms. They are reminded to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and work towards establishing justice and righteousness in society, while keeping their ultimate focus on the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound wisdom and deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words in this Hadith serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their priorities and ensure that they are not consumed by the temporary allure of this world. May we all strive to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the eternal pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our endeavors.