Hadith #3585

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to stay away from the love of this world. He describes the world as the root of every misdeed and the source of every affliction. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this hadith.

The word (hubba) "حُبَّ" means love or attachment. It refers to a deep affection or inclination towards something. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the materialistic aspects of life, and the pursuit of worldly desires. It encompasses all that is transient and perishable.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of being excessively attached to the world. He emphasizes that the love of this world is the root of every misdeed. This means that when we become overly attached to worldly possessions, wealth, power, and desires, it leads us astray from the path of righteousness. It becomes the underlying cause of all our sins and transgressions.

The Imam further states that the love of this world is the source of every affliction. When we prioritize worldly gains over spiritual growth and moral values, we become susceptible to various trials and tribulations. Our attachment to material possessions and desires can lead to greed, envy, arrogance, and other negative traits that bring about suffering and hardships in our lives.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of this world in several verses. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah 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.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and reminds us that true fulfillment lies in the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and eternal happiness can only be attained in the Hereafter, and the pleasures of this world are merely illusory.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from the love of this world, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and focus on what truly matters. We become more conscious of our actions, seeking to please Allah rather than chasing worldly desires.

When we detach ourselves from the love of this world, we become more content with what Allah has provided for us. We develop a sense of gratitude and recognize the blessings in our lives. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility, shielding us from the anxieties and worries that often accompany a materialistic mindset.

Moreover, distancing ourselves from the love of this world enables us to prioritize acts of kindness, charity, and selflessness. We become more concerned about the welfare of others and strive to alleviate their suffering. This selflessness not only benefits those around us but also brings us closer to Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice to keep away from the love of this world serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from worldly desires, we free ourselves from the root of every misdeed and the source of every affliction. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek Allah's pleasure in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.