Hadith #3702

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is a dream and being deceived by it is [a cause of] regret.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hulum) "حُلُمٌ" in Arabic refers to a dream, a transient and fleeting state that lacks permanence. It is a temporary illusion that fades away upon awakening. Similarly, this world, with all its allurements and attractions, is transitory and fleeting. It is not the ultimate reality but rather a passing phase in our journey towards the eternal life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the deceptive allure they hold. Just as a plant withers away after its initial growth, the attractions of this world eventually fade and leave us empty-handed. Therefore, being deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world is indeed a cause for regret.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further warns us in the Quran, (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.

This verse highlights the danger of being captivated by the materialistic aspects of this world, such as wealth and children, to the extent that we neglect our spiritual obligations. Those who prioritize worldly pursuits over the remembrance of Allah will ultimately be the ones who lose out in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that this world is merely a dream. Just as we do not become attached to a dream once we wake up, we should not become overly attached to the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. Instead, we should focus on the eternal reality and strive for the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our ultimate purpose in this world is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life that lies ahead. We should not allow ourselves to be deceived by the temporary attractions of this world, as they will only lead to regret and disappointment.

Let us remember the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran, (Quran 6:32)

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and may we strive to seek His pleasure in all our actions. Ameen.