Hadith #5213

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

He who puts Paradise and hell in front of him is [always] occupied.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of focusing on the hereafter and the consequences of our actions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (shughila) "شُغِلَ" means to be occupied or preoccupied with something. It implies being fully engrossed and absorbed in a particular matter. (mani) "مَنِ" means "he who" or "whoever." (al-jannah) "الْجَنَّةُ" refers to Paradise, the eternal abode of bliss and reward for the righteous. (wan-nar) "وَالنَّارُ" refers to Hell, the place of punishment for the wicked.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that death is inevitable, and our true recompense will be given to us on the Day of Resurrection. It emphasizes the significance of striving to be saved from the torment of Hell and attaining the eternal bliss of Paradise. The life of this world is merely a temporary illusion, and our focus should be on the everlasting life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to prioritize the hereafter over worldly distractions. It encourages us to be constantly mindful of our actions and their consequences. By keeping Paradise and Hell in front of us, we remain occupied with seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoiding His displeasure.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of focusing on the hereafter in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115):

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our creation and existence have a profound purpose, and we will be held accountable for our deeds.

By constantly reminding ourselves of the consequences of our actions, we become more conscious of our choices and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This awareness leads to a life of righteousness, where we seek to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a motivation for self-improvement. When we keep Paradise and Hell in front of us, we are driven to perform good deeds and avoid sinful actions. This constant reminder helps us in overcoming our desires and temptations, as we strive to attain the eternal rewards of Paradise.

Moreover, this Hadith has profound consequences for our spiritual growth. By being occupied with the thought of Paradise and Hell, we develop a deep sense of taqwa (God-consciousness) and strive to purify our hearts and souls. This constant reflection on the consequences of our actions helps us in cultivating a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing the hereafter and being constantly mindful of the consequences of our actions. By keeping Paradise and Hell in front of us, we remain occupied with seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoiding His displeasure. This constant reminder motivates us to perform good deeds, overcome our desires, and purify our hearts and souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to always keep the hereafter in focus and guide us on the path of righteousness.