Hadith #7838

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

عَلَيْكَ بِالجِدِّ والاِجْتِهادِ في إصْلاحِ المَعادِ۔

This can be translated as,

You must work hard and struggle to improve your Hereafter.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (al-jidd) "الجِدِّ" refers to exerting effort, diligence, and seriousness in one's actions. It implies a strong commitment and dedication towards achieving a goal. (al-ijtihad) "الاِجْتِهادِ" means striving, making an effort, and exerting oneself to the utmost. It signifies going above and beyond in order to attain success. (islah al-ma'ad) "إصْلاحِ المَعادِ" refers to improving one's Hereafter, which encompasses all aspects of spiritual growth and righteousness.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of exerting effort and striving in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the necessity of not only having faith but also engaging in righteous actions and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. It implies that true success in the Hereafter requires continuous effort and dedication.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah has created us with the capacity to handle the challenges and responsibilities of improving our Hereafter. It encourages us to strive and put in our best efforts, knowing that Allah will not burden us beyond our capabilities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to work hard and struggle in order to improve their Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that attaining success in the Hereafter requires more than just mere belief; it necessitates active engagement, continuous self-improvement, and a sincere commitment to righteousness.

By emphasizing the importance of (exerting effort) "الجِدِّ" and (striving) "الاِجْتِهادِ", Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the need for Muslims to go above and beyond in their pursuit of spiritual growth. This includes striving to fulfill the obligations prescribed by Allah, such as performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, observing fasts, and performing Hajj. It also entails engaging in acts of kindness, seeking knowledge, and purifying one's heart from negative traits such as jealousy, arrogance, and greed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as an exemplary figure in embodying the qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and piety. His life is a testament to the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of one's existence. He dedicated himself to the cause of Islam, fought for justice, and imparted profound knowledge to the Muslim community.

The consequences of neglecting the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and failing to work hard and struggle for the improvement of our Hereafter are grave. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3),

Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse serves as a reminder that those who do not strive for righteousness and neglect their spiritual growth will be at a loss in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of constantly striving to improve ourselves and our relationship with Allah. It encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of righteousness, to seek knowledge, and to engage in acts of kindness and compassion. By working hard and struggling for the improvement of our Hereafter, we can attain true success and eternal happiness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength and determination to follow the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.