Hadith #7736

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.

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

لِكُلِّ عَمَل جَزاءٌ، فَاجَعَلُوا عَمَلَكُمْ لِما يَبْقَى وذَرُوا ما يَفْنَى۔

This Hadith emphasizes the concept of rewards and consequences for every action that we undertake. It urges us to direct our actions towards that which has everlasting value and to abandon that which is temporary and fleeting.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (jazaa) "جَزَاءٌ" means reward or recompense. It implies that every action we perform will have a consequence, whether positive or negative. The word (faj'aloo) "فَاجَعَلُوا" means to make or to direct. Here, it instructs us to consciously choose and direct our actions towards something meaningful and lasting. The word (yabqa) "يَبْقَى" means that which remains or endures. It refers to actions that have an everlasting impact and continue to benefit us in this world and the hereafter. On the other hand, the word (yafna) "يَفْنَى" means that which perishes or fades away. It signifies actions that are temporary and hold no lasting value.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

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 highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary pleasure and adornment to our lives, they hold no real value in the grand scheme of things. Instead, Allah emphasizes the importance of enduring good deeds, actions that have a lasting impact and are pleasing to Him. These are the actions that we should strive for, as they bring us closer to Allah and secure our rewards in the hereafter.

Another verse that aligns with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

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 reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our pursuit of the hereafter. While we are encouraged to seek the rewards of the hereafter, we should not neglect our responsibilities in this world. We are reminded to do good and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives, be it our relationships, work, or community involvement. By doing so, we can fulfill our obligations in this world while also earning rewards for the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that it serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims. It urges us to be mindful of our actions and their consequences. We should strive to make our actions meaningful and purposeful, directing them towards that which has everlasting value. This requires us to prioritize our deeds, focusing on acts of worship, kindness, and righteousness that will benefit us in this world and the hereafter. At the same time, we should avoid getting caught up in the pursuit of temporary pleasures and worldly gains that hold no lasting value.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of the human condition and the importance of directing our actions towards the eternal. As Muslims, we should take this Hadith to heart and strive to align our actions with the teachings of the Quran, seeking rewards that will endure beyond this fleeting world.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make our actions meaningful and beneficial, and may He grant us the ability to prioritize the everlasting over the temporary. Ameen.