Hadith #7798

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,

شَرُّ العَمَلِ ما أفْسَدْتَ بِهِ مَعادَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

The worst act is that by which you spoil your Hereafter.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of our actions and their consequences in the afterlife.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" refers to something evil, harmful, or detrimental. It signifies actions that have negative consequences and lead to spiritual degradation. (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" means actions or deeds, encompassing both physical and spiritual acts. (ma) "ما" is a pronoun that means "that which" or "what." (afsadta) "أفْسَدْتَ" is derived from the root word (fasada) "فَسَدَ", which means to corrupt, spoil, or ruin. Finally, (bihi) "بِهِ" means "with it" or "by it," indicating the means or instrument through which the corruption occurs. (ma'adaka) "مَعادَكَ" refers to the Hereafter or the afterlife, the ultimate destination of every individual.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be supported by various Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And there are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' but they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly desires and actions that lead to spiritual ruin. Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:103-104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He reminds us that the worst act is one that leads to the corruption and destruction of our Hereafter. Our actions in this world have eternal consequences, and it is crucial to be mindful of their impact on our spiritual journey.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect upon our intentions and the consequences of our deeds. For example, if we engage in dishonesty, backbiting, or spreading falsehood, we tarnish our souls and damage our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions not only harm our Hereafter but also have negative effects on our present life, leading to strained relationships, loss of trust, and a sense of guilt and remorse.

Conversely, if we strive to perform righteous deeds, such as acts of kindness, charity, and seeking knowledge, we enhance our spiritual well-being and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions not only benefit us in the Hereafter but also bring about positive outcomes in our worldly affairs, such as blessings, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions and their consequences. It encourages us to prioritize the Hereafter over worldly pursuits and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can ensure that our actions align with the principles of Islam and lead us towards eternal success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to engage in actions that are pleasing to Him and that secure our Hereafter. May we always seek His forgiveness and guidance, and may we be among those who are successful in both this world and the Hereafter.