Hadith #3621

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the nature of this worldly life. He compares it to a snake, emphasizing that although it may appear harmless and attractive, it is actually dangerous and deadly. The Imam advises us to turn away from the allurements and temptations of this world, as they are fleeting and temporary. He urges us to be cautious and vigilant, especially when we are most inclined towards worldly desires.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the Quran for guidance and enlightenment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life hereafter.

In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) message. The world may offer temporary pleasures and distractions, but they are ultimately futile and illusory. Just as the rain brings temporary growth to plants, the attractions of this world may seem appealing for a short while, but they will eventually wither away, leaving us empty-handed.

Allah further emphasizes the fleeting nature of this world in Surah Al-Qasas, stating, (Quran 28:60)

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

These verses serve as a reminder that our attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world is transient and illusory. We are encouraged to focus on the eternal life in the Hereafter, where true success and everlasting happiness lie.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to turn away from the attractions of this world, as they can lead us astray and distract us from our ultimate purpose. He cautions us to be most cautious when we are most inclined towards worldly desires, as this is when we are most vulnerable to its temptations.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and connection with Allah over worldly pursuits. It urges us to detach ourselves from the temporary pleasures of this world and instead focus on building a strong relationship with our Creator.

By turning away from the allurements of this world, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and find contentment in the remembrance of Allah. This detachment allows us to invest our time and energy in actions that bring us closer to Allah and contribute to our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their pursuit of worldly desires. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah over the transient pleasures of this world. By turning away from the attractions of this world, we can find true contentment and fulfillment in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of the eternal life hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to resist the temptations of this world.