Hadith #578

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No one attains what he wishes for in the Hereafter except by abstaining from that which he desires in this world.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of self-restraint and prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (layudrik) "لايُدْرِكُ" means "no one attains" or "no one achieves." It emphasizes the fact that individuals cannot reach their desired goals in the Hereafter unless they fulfill a certain condition. The word (ahad) "أحَدٌ" refers to "anyone" or "someone," indicating that this principle applies to every individual.

The phrase (ma yuridu) "ما يُريدُ" means

what he wishes for

or "what he desires." It encompasses the aspirations and goals that individuals have for the Hereafter, such as attaining Paradise, the pleasure of Allah, and proximity to the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). These desires are deeply rooted in the hearts of Muslims, as they strive for spiritual growth and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

On the other hand, the phrase (min al-akhirah) "مِنَ الآخِرَةِ" refers to "in the Hereafter." It signifies the eternal life that awaits every individual after death, where the consequences of their actions in this world will manifest. Attaining success in the Hereafter is the ultimate goal of every Muslim, as it determines their eternal destiny.

The Hadith then states, (illa bi-tarki ma yashtahi mina al-dunya)

إلاّ بِتَرْكِ ما يَشتَهي مِنَ الدُّنيا

which translates to

except by abstaining from that which he desires in this world.

This part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and sacrificing worldly desires for the sake of the Hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This ayah reminds us that death is inevitable, and the true reward for our efforts will be granted on the Day of Resurrection. Those who are saved from the torment of Hellfire and granted entry into Paradise have indeed achieved their ultimate desire. It also highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, which are merely temporary illusions compared to the everlasting bliss of the Hereafter.

Another relevant ayah is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 ayah emphasizes the importance of prioritizing good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah over the material possessions and worldly attachments. While wealth and children may bring temporary joy and adornment to this life, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah. By abstaining from the desires of this world, we can focus on performing righteous actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic ayats, we understand that attaining our desired goals in the Hereafter requires us to detach ourselves from the fleeting pleasures of this world. It calls for self-discipline, sacrifice, and a constant reminder of the transient nature of worldly desires.

By restraining ourselves from indulging in unlawful or excessive desires, we can redirect our focus towards actions that please Allah and contribute to our spiritual growth. This includes acts of worship, seeking knowledge, showing kindness and compassion to others, and striving for moral excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to exercise self-restraint and sacrifice our desires in order to attain our ultimate goals in the eternal life. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive towards success in the Hereafter and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to follow this path.