Hadith #7157

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of intelligence and wisdom in making choices that lead to eternal success. Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening Hadith.

The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is someone who is not driven solely by their desires and impulses, but rather exercises self-control and rationality. Such a person is able to discern between right and wrong, and makes decisions based on what is beneficial for their ultimate salvation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the intelligent person as one who (forsakes his lust) "هَجَرَ شَهْوَتَهُ". This signifies the ability to resist and overcome one's base desires and temptations. It highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-restraint in order to attain spiritual growth and righteousness. By abandoning the pursuit of immediate gratification, the intelligent person focuses on higher goals and aspirations.

The phrase (sells his world for his Hereafter)

وَباعَ دُنْياهُ بِ آخِرَتِهِ

emphasizes the priority given to the eternal life over the temporary worldly life. It signifies the willingness to sacrifice worldly pleasures and possessions for the sake of attaining success in the Hereafter. The intelligent person recognizes that the true value lies in investing in the eternal life, where the rewards are everlasting.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forsaking worldly desires and prioritizing the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 17:19)

But as for those who desire the Hereafter and strive for it with the necessary effort, while they are believers, their effort will be appreciated

This verse highlights the significance of striving for the Hereafter and the rewards that await those who prioritize it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah states, (Quran 17:18)

Whoever desires the immediate gains of this world, We hasten for him therein what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished

This verse serves as a warning against being solely focused on worldly desires, as it leads to the punishment of Hellfire.

The consequences of forsaking one's lusts and prioritizing the Hereafter are profound. By exercising self-control and making choices that align with the teachings of Islam, the intelligent person achieves spiritual growth, inner peace, and closeness to Allah. They are able to resist the temptations of this world and instead invest in actions that bring them closer to their Creator.

Moreover, the intelligent person's decision to sell their world for the Hereafter has far-reaching consequences. It impacts their character, their relationships, and their overall perspective on life. They become individuals who are not swayed by materialistic pursuits, but rather focus on acts of worship, kindness towards others, and seeking knowledge. Their motivation shifts from worldly gains to seeking the pleasure of Allah and attaining eternal success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of intelligence in making choices that lead to eternal success. By forsaking our base desires and prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary world, we can attain spiritual growth, righteousness, and closeness to Allah. May we all strive to be intelligent individuals who make choices that bring us closer to our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise.