Hadith #3865

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.

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks a rhetorical question that invites us to reflect upon the ultimate folly of prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this worldly life over the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound disadvantage and loss incurred by those who choose to trade the eternal for the transient.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding of its significance. The word (aghbanu) "أغْبَنُ" refers to someone who is at a great disadvantage or loss. It implies a state of being deprived or cheated. The word (ba'a) "باعَ" means to sell or exchange. (al-baqaa) "البَقاءَ" refers to eternity or the everlasting life of the Hereafter, while (al-fanaa) "الفَناءِ" refers to the transient nature of this world, which will eventually perish.

To comprehend the depth of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the superiority of the Hereafter over the worldly life. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 93:4)

But the Hereafter is better for you than the worldly life. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

This verse reminds us that the true fulfillment and satisfaction lie in the Hereafter, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against being deceived by the allure of worldly possessions and distractions. He says, (Quran 3:14)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse serves as a reminder that the true value lies in the rewards of the Hereafter, which far surpass the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question challenges us to reflect on our priorities and the choices we make in our lives. It urges us to consider whether we are trading the eternal and everlasting rewards of the Hereafter for the fleeting and temporary pleasures of this world. By posing this question, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to reevaluate our actions and align them with the teachings of the Quran.

The consequences of prioritizing the transient over the eternal are grave. By indulging excessively in worldly pursuits and neglecting our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we risk losing the ultimate purpose of our existence. We may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of materialism, chasing after temporary gratification, and losing sight of the true purpose of life. This can lead to spiritual emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a sense of loss in the long run.

On the other hand, when we prioritize the Hereafter and strive to live in accordance with the teachings of the Quran, we attain a sense of purpose, contentment, and tranquility. By investing in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and performing good deeds, we secure our place in the eternal abode of Paradise. We build a connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that brings us closer to Him and ensures our success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound question serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and aligning our actions with its guidance, we can avoid the disadvantage and loss of trading the everlasting for the temporary. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make choices that lead us to success in this life and the Hereafter.