Hadith #598

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of turning away from the fleeting nature of this world and focusing on the eternal abode. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully states,

When you turn away from the transitory world and become occupied with the permanent abode, then your arrow has indeed hit its mark, the doors of prosperity are opened for you and you have attained success.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying. The word (transitory world) "دارِ الفَناءِ" refers to the temporary nature of this worldly life. It is a reminder that everything in this world, including wealth, power, and material possessions, is fleeting and will eventually perish. The word (permanent abode) "دارِ البَقاءِ" refers to the eternal life in the Hereafter, where the true and everlasting success lies.

This Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the impermanence of this world and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60),

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. So will you not use reason?

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah reminds us,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion?

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to detach themselves from the allure of this world and instead focus on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. By turning away from the transitory world and directing our attention towards the permanent abode, we align ourselves with the true purpose of our existence.

When we prioritize the Hereafter, we attain true success and prosperity. The doors of success are opened for us, and we are guided towards the path of righteousness and piety. This success is not limited to material gains but encompasses spiritual growth, inner peace, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who turned away from the transitory world and achieved success in the sight of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a prime example. In Surah Al-An'am (6:75), Allah says,

And thus did We show Ibrahim (Abraham) the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].

Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) detached himself from the worldly distractions and focused solely on the worship of Allah. As a result, he was granted success in this world and the Hereafter. Similarly, when we prioritize the permanent abode and seek the pleasure of Allah, we too will be guided towards success in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to shift their focus from the transient nature of this world to the eternal abode. By doing so, we attain true success and prosperity in the sight of Allah. Let us strive to detach ourselves from the allure of this world and prioritize the Hereafter, for it is in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness that we find everlasting fulfillment and true success. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.