Hadith #1309

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the essence of true faith and the distinction between a believer and a wicked person. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (believer) "مُؤمِنُ", (safeguards) "وَقى", (his Hereafter) "دينَهُ", (his world) "دُنْياهُ", and (vicious) "فاجِرُ".

The term "مُؤمِنُ" refers to a true believer, one who has complete faith in Allah and submits to His commands. The believer recognizes the transient nature of this world and prioritizes the eternal life of the Hereafter. On the other hand, the term "فاجِرُ" refers to a wicked person, someone who is morally corrupt and deviates from the path of righteousness.

The word "وَقى" means to safeguard or protect. In the context of this Hadith, it implies making choices and taking actions that prioritize either the Hereafter or the worldly life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the believer safeguards his Hereafter by sacrificing his world. This means that the believer is willing to sacrifice worldly desires, material possessions, and personal ambitions if they conflict with the principles and teachings of Islam. The believer understands that the true success lies in the eternal life of the Hereafter and strives to align his actions with the commandments of Allah.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced approach of seeking goodness in both worlds while acknowledging the significance of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against prioritizing worldly gains at the expense of the Hereafter:

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 reminds us that worldly possessions and relationships are temporary, while the good deeds performed for the sake of Allah have everlasting rewards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the believer with the vicious person who safeguards his world by sacrificing his Hereafter. This implies that the wicked person is willing to compromise his faith, morals, and principles for the sake of worldly gains. Such individuals prioritize their personal desires, wealth, and status over the commandments of Allah.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who prioritized their worldly desires and neglected their Hereafter. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:79), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the attitude of the disbelievers:

So he who sold his world for the Hereafter - for him is a great punishment.

This verse serves as a warning against those who trade their eternal salvation for temporary worldly pleasures.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their faith and the Hereafter over worldly pursuits. It urges us to reflect on our actions and choices, ensuring that we do not compromise our principles and values for the sake of temporary gains. By safeguarding our Hereafter, we secure eternal success and fulfillment in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our faith and the Hereafter in all aspects of our lives. May we strive to be true believers who sacrifice worldly desires for the sake of attaining eternal bliss. Ameen.