Hadith #377

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and its deceptive nature. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the world deceives, harms, and passes away. These three characteristics shed light on the true nature of this temporal existence.

The word (taghurru) "تَغُرُّ" means to deceive or to delude. This implies that the world presents itself as something attractive and desirable, but in reality, it leads people astray from the path of righteousness. It tempts individuals with its temporary pleasures and distractions, diverting their attention from the ultimate purpose of life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (tadurru) "تَضُرُّ" means to harm or to cause damage. This signifies that the world is not only deceptive but also poses a threat to one's spiritual well-being. It can lead individuals towards sinful actions, materialism, and greed, which ultimately harm their souls and distance them from the path of righteousness.

The word (tamurru) "تَمُرُّ" means to pass away or to come to an end. This highlights the temporary nature of this worldly life. Everything in this world, including wealth, power, and status, is transient and will eventually fade away. Recognizing the impermanence of this life is crucial in order to prioritize the eternal life of the hereafter.

To further understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20: (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...

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary source of amusement and distraction, which can easily lead individuals astray from the true purpose of their existence.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (3:185)

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection...

This verse serves as a reminder that death is inevitable for every individual, and the true reward or punishment will be granted in the Hereafter, not in this transient world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) did not approve this worldly life as a reward for His lovers nor as a punishment for His enemies. This means that the temporary pleasures and hardships of this world do not reflect one's true status in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Material wealth or worldly success does not necessarily indicate divine favor, and adversity or poverty does not necessarily indicate divine displeasure. True success lies in the obedience and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully illustrates this concept through the analogy of riders who quickly depart upon hearing the call of their driver. Similarly, the people of this world are constantly moving, seeking temporary pleasures and gains, without realizing the fleeting nature of their pursuits. They are easily swayed by the allure of worldly distractions and fail to recognize the true purpose of their existence.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and focus on the eternal life of the Hereafter. It calls upon us to detach ourselves from the deceptive allure of this world and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through righteous actions and devotion. By understanding the transient nature of this worldly life, we can strive for a deeper connection with our Creator and work towards attaining everlasting success in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to navigate through the trials and tribulations of this world.