Hadith #3936

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 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It behoves the one who recognizes this world to renounce its pleasures and to turn away from it.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true nature of this worldly life and the need to detach oneself from its allurements.

The word (yanbaghi) "يَنْبَغِي" in the Hadith implies an obligation or a duty. It is necessary for every individual who has gained insight into the reality of this world to adopt a mindset of renunciation and detachment. This recognition is not limited to mere intellectual understanding, but rather it encompasses a deep realization of the transient and deceptive nature of worldly pleasures.

The term (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the material realm that we inhabit. It encompasses all the worldly possessions, desires, and pursuits that distract us from our ultimate purpose in life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to renounce the pleasures of this world and to turn away from its temptations.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the ephemeral nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 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 highlights the transitory nature of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of its pleasures. It serves as a reminder that indulging in the materialistic aspects of this world can lead to distraction and ultimately, disappointment. The pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly desires can consume us, diverting our attention from the true purpose of our existence.

Another verse that resonates with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (Quran 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.

This verse emphasizes that the allurements of this world, such as wealth, relationships, and material possessions, may captivate our hearts and distract us from our spiritual journey. However, Allah reminds us that the true and everlasting reward lies with Him in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to reflect on the consequences of indulging in worldly pleasures. By renouncing these temporary delights and turning away from them, we free ourselves from their grip and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world, we gain a sense of contentment and inner peace. Our hearts become purified, and we are able to prioritize our actions and intentions based on the pleasure of Allah rather than the pursuit of worldly gains.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and understanding, encourages us to recognize the true nature of this world and to detach ourselves from its fleeting pleasures. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of recognizing the transient nature of this world and the need to renounce its pleasures. It urges us to turn away from the distractions of materialism and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. May Allah guide us to adopt this mindset of renunciation and detachment, and may He grant us the strength to prioritize our actions and intentions based on His pleasure.