Hadith #3604

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

Verily the interior of this world is dead and its exterior is sick.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "baten" in Arabic refers to the interior or hidden aspect of something, while "zaher" refers to the exterior or apparent aspect. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is drawing our attention to the true nature of this worldly life. He is highlighting the fact that the inner reality of this world is lifeless and devoid of true spiritual essence. It is a reminder that the materialistic pursuits and desires that consume our lives are ultimately futile and transitory.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the exterior of this world as "sick." This signifies the superficial and deceptive nature of worldly attractions. The allure of wealth, power, and material possessions may seem appealing, but they are ultimately transient and unsatisfying. Just as a sick person may appear healthy on the outside, the world may seem alluring and promising, but it is spiritually ailing.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon the true purpose of their existence. It urges us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the eternal life to come. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness.

Let us ponder upon the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and focus on the eternal life to come. It urges us to detach ourselves from the transient and deceptive nature of worldly pursuits and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness.