Hadith #9516

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to regret and pain. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its connotation.

The word (lazzah) "لَذَّة" in Arabic refers to pleasure or enjoyment. It signifies a temporary feeling of satisfaction that one experiences. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that not all pleasures are beneficial or lead to goodness. In fact, he states that there is no good in a pleasure that eventually brings about regret.

To further understand the wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and highlights their deceptive nature. The enjoyment we derive from worldly pursuits may seem fulfilling in the moment, but they ultimately lead to emptiness and regret. The pursuit of material possessions, wealth, and worldly desires can consume us and distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further mentions the word (shahwah) "شَهْوَة", which refers to desire or lust. He warns that such desires, if indulged in without moderation and control, can lead to pain and suffering. This pain can manifest in various forms, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual anguish.

To support this notion, we can turn to Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50:

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse highlights the consequences of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such actions can lead to misguidance and ultimately result in pain and regret. It is essential for Muslims to exercise self-control and seek moderation in their desires, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the potential consequences of unchecked desires. It urges us to prioritize actions that bring lasting benefit and eternal rewards, rather than indulging in fleeting pleasures that lead to regret and pain.

By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to lead a balanced and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. May Allah guide us and grant us the strength to resist the temptations of this world and seek His pleasure above all else.