Hadith Text & Reference

"Lo! Indeed the world is cursed. What is in it is cursed, except for remembrance of Allah, what is conducive to that, the knowledgeable person and the learning person."

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2322 | Book: Chapters On Zuhd | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Meaning of the Curse

The term "cursed" (mal'un) signifies being distanced from Allah's mercy. The world and its contents are cursed when pursued for worldly purposes alone, distracting from the Hereafter. This condemnation applies to worldly pursuits that become ultimate goals rather than means to Allah's pleasure.

The Four Exceptions

Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): Any act of worship and obedience that brings one closer to Allah.

What is Conducive to That: Lawful earnings, food, drink, and sleep that enable one to perform acts of worship.

The Knowledgeable Person (Alim): One who learns and teaches religious knowledge for Allah's sake.

The Learning Person (Muta'allim): The sincere student seeking Islamic knowledge to practice and teach.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Mubarakfuri explains this hadith encourages zuhd (asceticism) by showing worldly matters are blameworthy unless connected to Allah. The exceptions demonstrate that lawful worldly matters become blessed when used as means to worship.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes the world is only praiseworthy when it serves as a vehicle for the Hereafter. The knowledgeable and learners are exempted because they're engaged in the highest form of worship - seeking and teaching divine knowledge.

Practical Implications

This teaching doesn't require complete abandonment of worldly matters, but rather using them correctly. One should ensure their actions, possessions, and pursuits are connected to Allah's remembrance and pleasure.

The emphasis on knowledge seekers highlights the superiority of Islamic knowledge over mere worldly pursuits, as it leads to proper understanding and practice of faith.