Hadith #544

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَلَيكَ بِالْجِدِّ والإجتِهادِ في إصْلاحِ المَعادِ۔

This can be translated as,

You must strive and struggle for the betterment of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (jidd) "جِدِّ" refers to exerting effort, diligence, and seriousness in one's actions. It signifies a strong commitment and dedication towards achieving a goal. (ijtihad) "إجتِهادِ" means to strive, endeavor, and put in one's utmost effort. It implies going beyond one's limits and pushing oneself to the maximum in order to attain success. (islah) "إصْلاحِ" refers to the act of reforming, rectifying, and improving something. It signifies making positive changes and bringing about betterment. (al-ma'ad) "المَعادِ" refers to the Hereafter, the life after death, and the eternal abode.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3),

By time, 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 emphasizes the importance of striving and struggling in this world to secure success in the Hereafter. It highlights the necessity of faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse encourages us to prepare for the journey of the Hereafter by acquiring piety and righteousness. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in Paradise.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to exert utmost effort and strive for the betterment of the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that our actions in this world have consequences in the eternal life to come. We must not be complacent or negligent in our pursuit of righteousness and piety. Instead, we should be diligent, serious, and committed to improving ourselves and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps towards self-improvement and spiritual growth. He encourages us to go beyond our comfort zones, to push ourselves, and to strive for excellence in our actions. By doing so, we can rectify our shortcomings, purify our intentions, and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also highlights the concept of accountability in the Hereafter. Our efforts and struggles in this world will determine our fate in the eternal life. If we strive sincerely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and following the teachings of Islam, we can hope for a blissful and rewarding Hereafter. Conversely, if we neglect our responsibilities and fail to make the necessary efforts, we risk losing the eternal blessings and rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive and struggle for the betterment of the Hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of exerting effort, diligence, and seriousness in our actions. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can rectify ourselves, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and secure success in the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to strive for the Hereafter and attain His pleasure.