Hadith #572

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the stark contrast between the worldly pursuits and the pursuit of the Hereafter. He uses a powerful analogy to highlight the difference in the efforts and rewards of those who strive for worldly gains versus those who strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

The key words in this hadith are (the deceived one) "المَغْروُرُ", (succeeds/attains) "ظَفِرَ", (this world) "الدُّنيا", (the smallest portion of his effort) "بأدنى سُهْمَتِهِ", (the Hereafter) "الآخِرَةِ", and (his greatest effort) "بأعْلى هِمَّتِهِ".

The term "المَغْروُرُ" refers to someone who is deceived or deluded. It implies that the person is misguided and has been led astray from the path of truth and righteousness. This deception can manifest in various forms, such as being overly attached to worldly possessions, wealth, power, and fame, while neglecting the spiritual aspect of life and the pursuit of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the deceived one who succeeds in attaining the smallest portion of this world through his greatest effort is not comparable to the one who succeeds in attaining the smallest portion of the Hereafter by exerting his greatest effort. This comparison highlights the vast difference in the value and significance of worldly gains compared to the rewards of the Hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of striving for the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability

This ayah beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of worldly possessions. Just as the rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, it eventually dries up, leaving behind nothing but scattered remnants. Similarly, the wealth and material possessions of this world will eventually perish, and only our deeds and actions in the pursuit of the Hereafter will endure.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:32)

And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand?

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and distractions of this world are merely temporary and fleeting. They are like a passing amusement that holds no lasting value. In contrast, the rewards and blessings of the Hereafter are far superior and everlasting for those who strive to be righteous.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their efforts and focus on the pursuit of the Hereafter. It urges us to reflect upon our intentions and actions, ensuring that we do not become deluded by the allure of worldly possessions and neglect our spiritual growth and preparation for the eternal life to come.

The consequences of prioritizing worldly gains over the Hereafter are dire. We risk losing sight of our true purpose in life and falling into the trap of materialism and greed. This can lead to a spiritual void, dissatisfaction, and a sense of emptiness despite accumulating wealth and possessions.

On the other hand, when we exert our greatest effort in striving for the Hereafter, we align ourselves with the divine purpose and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This pursuit brings about inner peace, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment that cannot be attained through worldly pursuits alone.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly gains. It highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the eternal rewards that await those who strive for righteousness. By exerting our greatest effort in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in our pursuit of the Hereafter.