Hadith #3913

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the world to a snake, highlighting its deceptive nature. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (dunya) "دُنْيَا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting. It encompasses the materialistic aspects of life that often distract us from our ultimate purpose and the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the deceptive nature of the dunya:

(Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the dunya as (kamathalil hayah) "كَمَثَلِ الحَيَّةِ" - like the snake. The snake is known for its deceptive appearance, with a soft and smooth feel. Similarly, the dunya may appear attractive and alluring, but it conceals the venom of worldly desires and distractions that can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the dangers of being deceived by the dunya:

(Quran 63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

The Hadith continues, stating that (the deadly venom is in its fangs)

السَّمُّ القاتِلُ في جَوفِها

This emphasizes the hidden dangers and destructive consequences that lie within the dunya. Just as the snake's venom can cause harm and even death, the pursuit of worldly pleasures and materialistic desires can lead to spiritual ruin and eternal loss.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the consequences of being attached to the dunya:

(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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the reactions of two different individuals towards the dunya. He states, (the inexperienced and ignorant one reaches towards it)

يَهْوي إلَيْهَا الغِرُّ الجاهِلُ

while (the wise and intelligent one is cautious of it) "يَحْذَرُهَا اللَّبيبُ العاقلُ".

This highlights the importance of knowledge and wisdom in navigating the temptations and pitfalls of the dunya. The ignorant and inexperienced are easily enticed by the allure of worldly pleasures, while the wise and intelligent exercise caution and restraint, recognizing the transient nature of this world and prioritizing the Hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in the Quran:

(Quran 20:114)

And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be wary of the deceptive nature of the dunya. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, enabling us to make informed choices and guard ourselves against the destructive consequences of worldly attachments. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of this world and the strength to prioritize the Hereafter.