Hadith #3615

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over the Hereafter. He states that the one who is more attached to the immediate gains of this world, neglecting the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, has essentially traded the everlasting for the transient. Such a person becomes engrossed in the affairs of this world, losing sight of the ultimate purpose of life and the path to salvation.

To understand the depth of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this hadith. The word (ajilah) "عاجِلَةُ" refers to the immediate or transient, while (ajilah) "آجِلَةِ" refers to the Hereafter or the eternal. The term (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" signifies the worldly life and its materialistic pursuits. (umoor) "أُمُورُ" refers to matters or affairs, and (al-akhirah) "الآخرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, perfect in ability.

This ayah emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of material wealth. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, it eventually dries up and dissipates. Similarly, the pleasures and possessions of this world may provide temporary satisfaction, but they ultimately fade away, leaving us empty-handed in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah warns us against becoming too attached to the worldly life, saying, (Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly desires and possessions, which can distract us from our ultimate purpose. While these things may bring temporary pleasure, they cannot compare to the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. When we become overly attached to worldly possessions, we risk losing sight of our true purpose and deviating from the path of righteousness.

By prioritizing the Hereafter, we invest in actions that have everlasting consequences. We strive to please Allah, perform acts of worship, and engage in acts of kindness and charity. We understand that our time in this world is limited, and our focus should be on building a strong relationship with Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also serve as a cautionary tale. When individuals become consumed by worldly desires, they not only neglect their spiritual growth but also harm themselves in the process. They become slaves to their desires, sacrificing their inner peace and contentment for temporary gratification.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world. By focusing on the eternal rewards and investing in actions that please Allah, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah guide us all to prioritize the Hereafter and grant us success in this world and the next.