Hadith #4603

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of renouncing worldly possessions and attachments that are temporary and fleeting. The word (zuhd) "زُهْدُكَ" in this Hadith refers to renunciation or detachment from material possessions, desires, and worldly affairs. It is derived from the Arabic root (zahada) "زَهَدَ", which means to abstain or withdraw from something.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to direct our renunciation towards things that are perishable and transient, as they will eventually fade away and cease to exist. This includes material wealth, worldly status, and other temporary pleasures that we may become attached to. By detaching ourselves from these ephemeral things, we can attain a higher spiritual state and focus on the eternal and everlasting.

This concept of renunciation is supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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 temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate futility of attaching ourselves to them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes that the pleasures and attractions of this world are illusory and deceptive, leading us away from the true purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in the Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly possessions and attachments. By recognizing the impermanence of these things, we can develop a mindset of detachment and prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards and spiritual growth.

When we become too attached to worldly possessions, we may lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for the Hereafter. This attachment can lead to greed, selfishness, and a neglect of our duties towards others. By practicing renunciation, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and focus on fulfilling our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith also highlights the importance of selflessness and detachment in our relationships with others. When we are attached to worldly possessions, we may prioritize our own interests over the well-being of others. However, by renouncing these attachments, we can cultivate a spirit of generosity, compassion, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to detach ourselves from the transient and perishable aspects of this world. By practicing renunciation, we can redirect our focus towards the eternal and everlasting. This mindset of detachment enables us to prioritize our spiritual growth, fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation, and cultivate selflessness in our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.