Hadith #563

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of striving for one's permanent abode, which refers to the hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever puts effort into securing their place in the eternal life, their actions become sincere and their fear of displeasing Allah increases.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (sa'a) "سَعى" translates to "strives" or "exerts effort." It signifies a continuous and dedicated effort towards a goal. (dar iqamatihi) "دَارِ إقَامَتِهِ" refers to the permanent abode, which is the everlasting life in the hereafter. (khalus) "خَلُصَ" means sincerity or purity, indicating that one's actions become free from any hidden motives or impurities. (wajaluhu) "وَجَلُهُ" refers to fear or awe of Allah, which increases as a result of striving for the permanent abode.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity and justice in our interactions with others, regardless of their beliefs. When we strive for our permanent abode, our actions become sincere and just, as we seek to please Allah alone. Our efforts are not tainted by personal gain or ulterior motives. This sincerity and justice are manifestations of our fear of displeasing Allah, which intensifies as we prioritize our eternal life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the importance of striving for the hereafter. When we strive for our permanent abode, our actions become righteous and beneficial to ourselves and others. We advise one another to truth and patience, seeking to strengthen our faith and character. This striving is a reflection of our fear of displeasing Allah and our desire to attain His pleasure.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. By striving for our permanent abode, our actions become sincere and free from any hidden motives. We become more conscious of our fear of displeasing Allah, which motivates us to lead a righteous and just life.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and introspection. We must constantly evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah. By doing so, we can purify our hearts and strive towards a sincere and meaningful relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of striving for our permanent abode. It reminds us that sincere actions and an increased fear of displeasing Allah are the fruits of such striving. By seeking guidance from the Quran and reflecting upon its teachings, we can deepen our understanding of this Hadith and strive to make our actions sincere and pleasing to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to strive for our permanent abode and attain His pleasure.