Hadith #10024

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the eternal value of good deeds. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Wealth and children are the ornaments of this worldly life.

Here, the word (الْمَالُ) "wealth" refers to material possessions, such as money, property, and assets. It symbolizes the temporary nature of worldly attachments and the allure they hold for individuals. Similarly, (الْبَنُونُ) "children" refers to offspring, representing the joys and responsibilities associated with family life.

To emphasize the fleeting nature of these worldly ornaments, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. Just as a rain shower brings temporary growth to plants, it eventually dries up and withers away. Similarly, the enjoyment and adornments of this world are transitory, and their true value lies in their ability to serve as a means to attain success in the Hereafter.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Good action is the tillage of the Hereafter.

Here, the term (الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ) "good action" refers to righteous deeds performed with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It encompasses acts of worship, kindness, charity, and all actions that bring one closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of good deeds in the Quran:

(Quran 29:7)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

(Quran 29:9)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise].

These verses highlight the importance of good deeds as a means of purification and elevation in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They serve as a form of cultivation, preparing the ground for a bountiful harvest in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us through this Hadith that while wealth and children may bring temporary joy and adornment to our worldly lives, their true value lies in how they are utilized to cultivate the Hereafter. Good deeds, on the other hand, are the seeds we sow in this life, which will bear fruit in the eternal realm.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to prioritize our actions and intentions, ensuring that our pursuit of worldly possessions does not overshadow our commitment to righteousness. Let us strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual growth, recognizing that true success lies in the cultivation of the Hereafter through acts of goodness and piety.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and bless us with the ability to sow the seeds of righteousness in this life, reaping the rewards in the Hereafter. Ameen.