Hadith #3609

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily this world is passing you by in its normal fashion, and you are connected to the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (madiyah) "ماضِيَةٌ" in the Hadith refers to something that is passing or fleeting. It emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life. The word (sunnan) "سُنَن" refers to the established ways or customs. It signifies the predictable and cyclical nature of the world, where events and circumstances repeat themselves. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that this world is continuously moving forward, unaffected by the individual lives of people.

This understanding is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 and Power.

The phrase (wa antum wal-akhiratu fi qarn)

وأنْتُمْ والآخِرَةُ في قَرَن

in the Hadith means that while this world is passing by, Muslims are connected to the Hereafter. The word (qarn) "قَرَن" refers to a generation or a period of time. It signifies the continuous and inseparable link between believers and the eternal life to come.

This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that while we may be engrossed in the passing affairs of this world, our true purpose lies in preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter. Our focus should not solely be on the materialistic pursuits and temporary pleasures of this world, but rather on building a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and to constantly strive towards righteousness. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, and to instead invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, urges us to reflect upon the fleeting nature of this world and to focus on the everlasting life to come. By doing so, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both worlds.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the deeper meaning behind this Hadith and the strength to live our lives in accordance with its teachings. May He guide us to prioritize the Hereafter and grant us success in this world and the next.