Hadith #1156

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful saying that highlights the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly desires and aspirations. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in the light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the phrase "Tuba", which can be translated as "Blessed". This indicates that there is immense reward and goodness for the one who possesses the qualities mentioned in the Hadith. The word "kaththaba" means to deny or reject, and in this context, it refers to denying one's own aspirations and desires. It implies that a person should not be attached to their worldly ambitions and should be willing to sacrifice them for the sake of the Hereafter.

The word "munah" refers to aspirations or hopes. It encompasses the desires and dreams that individuals have in this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that one should not blindly follow their aspirations, but rather critically evaluate them in the light of Islamic teachings. This means that if our aspirations contradict the principles of Islam or lead us away from the path of righteousness, we should be ready to deny them and prioritize our Hereafter.

The phrase "akhraba dunyahu" can be translated as "sacrifices his world". It signifies that a person should be willing to give up their worldly possessions, comforts, and desires in order to build their Hereafter. This does not mean that one should abandon their responsibilities or neglect their worldly affairs. Rather, it implies that we should not let the pursuit of worldly gains consume us to the extent that we neglect our spiritual growth and the preparation for the eternal life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly life. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

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 emphasizes that while wealth and worldly possessions may bring temporary pleasure and adornment, it is the good deeds and the pursuit of the Hereafter that hold true value in the sight of Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse encourages us to seek the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It reminds us that our primary focus should be on building our eternal abode, while still fulfilling our worldly obligations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. It urges us to evaluate our aspirations and desires in the light of Islamic teachings and to be ready to sacrifice our worldly ambitions for the sake of our eternal life. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, and we pave the way for a successful and fulfilling Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our Hereafter and to make the necessary sacrifices for its attainment. May He bless us with the ability to deny our worldly aspirations and to build a strong foundation for our eternal life. Ameen.