Hadith #593

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

إجْعَلْ هَمَّكَ لِمَعادِكَ تَصْلَحْ۔

This can be translated as,

Be concerned about your Hereafter and you will become upright.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance for Muslims, as it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over our worldly affairs.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (hammak) "هَمَّكَ" refers to one's concerns, worries, or preoccupations. It encompasses the thoughts and desires that occupy our minds and hearts. (ma'adika) "مَعَادِكَ" refers to the Hereafter, the ultimate destination and purpose of our existence. And (taslah) "تَصْلَحْ" means to become upright, righteous, or to reform oneself.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our Hereafter over worldly matters. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2: 110)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the need to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our focus on the Hereafter. While we are encouraged to fulfill our obligations in this world, we should not forget that our ultimate goal is the eternal life in the Hereafter. By prioritizing our Hereafter, we align our actions and intentions with the pleasure of Allah, leading to righteousness and reform.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah says, (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 verse highlights the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, our worldly pursuits may seem fruitful and fulfilling. However, they are ultimately temporary and will wither away. By directing our concerns towards the Hereafter, we ensure that our efforts and investments are for eternity.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When we prioritize our Hereafter, we become upright and righteous individuals. Our concerns shift from materialistic pursuits to spiritual growth and moral development. We become more conscious of our actions, striving to please Allah and fulfill our obligations towards Him and His creation.

By focusing on the Hereafter, we become more mindful of our intentions and the consequences of our actions. We are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and engage in charitable deeds. Our relationships with others are guided by compassion, justice, and kindness. We become agents of positive change in society, striving to establish justice and alleviate the suffering of others.

Moreover, prioritizing the Hereafter brings about a sense of contentment and tranquility in our lives. We are no longer consumed by the anxieties and desires of this world. Instead, we find solace in the remembrance of Allah and the anticipation of the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. This mindset enables us to face the challenges of life with patience and resilience, knowing that our ultimate success lies in the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their Hereafter over worldly concerns. By directing our thoughts and efforts towards the eternal life, we become upright and righteous individuals. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of seeking the Hereafter and striving for righteousness. May Allah guide us all to prioritize our Hereafter and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.