Hadith #3611

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 of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the world and the Hereafter to a man who has two wives. The word used for "world" in Arabic is (الدُّنيا) "dunya", which refers to the temporal life in this world, and the word used for "Hereafter" is (الآخِرَةِ) "akhirah", which refers to the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully illustrates the relationship between the world and the Hereafter through the analogy of a man with two wives. When the man pleases one of his wives, he inevitably angers the other. Similarly, when we prioritize the pleasures and desires of this worldly life, we neglect and displease our Hereafter.

This analogy serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly affairs and their spiritual obligations. It highlights the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. Let us now delve into the Quranic verses that support and further elucidate this profound Hadith.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

And of them there are some who say: 'Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both the world and the Hereafter. It acknowledges that it is natural for humans to desire blessings and prosperity in this life, but it also reminds us to seek the same in the Hereafter. It is crucial to strike a balance and not become solely engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, neglecting our spiritual growth and the consequences of our actions in the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While wealth and children may bring temporary joy and adornment to our lives, it is the righteous deeds that endure and hold true value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on building a strong foundation of good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter, rather than being solely preoccupied with worldly gains.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the eternal life, ensuring that we do not neglect our spiritual growth and obligations.

Secondly, it serves as a reminder to strike a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual obligations. While it is natural to seek blessings and prosperity in this life, we must not allow ourselves to become consumed by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, neglecting our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

Lastly, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions. It reminds us to constantly evaluate our choices and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in both this world and the Hereafter, avoiding the displeasure that comes from neglecting our spiritual obligations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to strike a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual obligations, ensuring that we do not neglect our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate this world with righteousness and to attain success in the Hereafter.