In Sermon 97, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) emphasizes the transient nature of the world and the importance of detachment from it. This sermon was delivered in a historical context when the Islamic society was progressing, yet there was a growing inclination towards worldly pleasures and transient things. The Imam (a.s.) sheds light on the ephemeral nature of the world, its deception, and the impermanence of human relationships with it.

The Imam states that the world is one that will abandon you, even if you do not wish to abandon it, and it will age and decay your bodies despite your efforts to keep them fresh. The analogy of the world and human life is likened to travelers who walk a path and quickly reach their destination. This analogy highlights that human life is also a journey that ends swiftly. The Imam (a.s.) stresses that the honor and pride of this world are temporary, and the pursuit of these can lead one astray.

A significant message in the sermon is that one should not take joy in the adornments and blessings of the world, as they are all destined to perish. The Imam (a.s.) recalls the events of past peoples as lessons for the present, reminding us that death is a reality that we must acknowledge and prepare for. This serves as a reminder that those who have passed do not return, and those who remain will not last forever either.

The Imam (a.s.) advises against committing sins and encourages the remembrance of death, which eradicates all pleasures and makes earthly delights bitter. This advice teaches us to fulfill Allah's rights and express gratitude for His countless blessings. The practical takeaway from this sermon is to understand the ephemeral nature of the world and strive to prepare our lives for the hereafter.