In Sermon (143), Imam Ali (peace be upon him) sheds light on the transient nature of the world and the temporality of human life within it. This sermon was delivered at a time when Muslims faced various challenges, necessitating a strong adherence to their traditions and Sunnah. Imam Ali (a.s.) emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, indicating that every moment brings one closer to death, and with every blessing comes a new trial.
Through various examples, Imam (a.s.) illustrates that every joy in life is accompanied by sorrow. Each morsel consumed reduces one's lifespan, and no new thing comes into existence unless the old one has perished. This conveys the message that life in this world is temporary and lacks any true significance.
A critical point raised by Imam Ali (a.s.) concerns the issue of innovation (Bid'ah) and Sunnah. He states that no innovation arises without the abandonment of Sunnah. This serves as an essential directive that we should remain steadfast in the original teachings of our faith and avoid anything newly introduced that deviates from those teachings.
Imam Ali (a.s.) makes it clear that old traditions are better, and newly created practices in religion are the worst. This implies that we should follow the teachings of our forefathers and live our lives in accordance with their guidance. This sermon imparts a spiritual message to understand the transience of the world and to adhere to the original traditions of our faith.
