Hadith #4841

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) beautifully encapsulates a profound wisdom that can guide us in our pursuit of true happiness and contentment. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (sa'adah) "سَعَادَةً", which translates to "felicity" or "happiness." It refers to a state of true contentment and fulfillment, a state that every human being aspires to attain. The Hadith tells us that this felicity can be achieved by turning away from that which perishes, and instead, focusing on that which is everlasting.

To understand the significance of this message, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the importance of faith, good deeds, and sincere advice.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the transitory nature of worldly possessions, saying, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, perfect in ability.

Now, let us reflect on the second part of the Hadith, which advises us to become occupied with that which is everlasting. This refers to focusing on matters that have eternal value, such as seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and engaging in acts of kindness and charity. By prioritizing these eternal pursuits, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can gain insight into the eternal truths and find solace in our hearts.

Furthermore, engaging in acts of worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) brings us closer to Him and strengthens our connection with the Divine. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 18:107)

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them are the gardens of Paradise as a lodging.

By dedicating ourselves to acts of worship, we can attain the everlasting reward promised by Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and urges us to focus on that which is everlasting. By turning away from the temporary and investing in the eternal, we can attain true felicity and find lasting contentment. Let us strive to seek knowledge, perform acts of worship, and engage in acts of kindness and charity, for these are the pursuits that lead to everlasting happiness. May Allah guide us all on this path and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.