Hadith #394

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

اذْكُرُوا انْقِطَاعَ الَّلذَّاتِ، وَبَقَاءَ التَّبِعَاتِ۔

This enlightening Hadith can be translated as:

Remember pleasures will pass away while the consequences will stay.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (inqita'a) "انْقِطَاعَ" refers to the cessation or ending of something. In this context, it signifies the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and delights. The word (al-lathat) "الَّلذَّاتِ" refers to the pleasures and joys that we experience in this life. These include material possessions, physical comforts, and worldly achievements.

On the other hand, the word (baqaa) "بَقَاءَ" means permanence or continuity. It highlights the enduring nature of the consequences that follow our actions in this world and the hereafter. The word (at-tabi'at) "التَّبِعَاتِ" refers to the consequences or aftermath of our deeds. These consequences can be both positive or negative, depending on the nature of our actions.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on everlasting good deeds.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

These verses from the Quran highlight the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on actions that have lasting consequences. They remind us that material possessions and temporary joys are merely adornments of this worldly life, while the consequences of our deeds will remain with us in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize actions that have lasting benefits. It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and to strive for deeds that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal life to come.

By remembering the impermanence of worldly pleasures and focusing on the enduring consequences of our actions, we can cultivate a mindset that is rooted in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter. This Hadith serves as a powerful motivation to engage in acts of worship, kindness, and righteousness, as these are the deeds that will truly benefit us in the long run.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be mindful of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and to prioritize actions that have lasting consequences. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the transience of this life and the importance of enduring good deeds, we can strive to lead a life that is focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing our place in the eternal hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to remember this profound lesson and act upon it in our daily lives.