Hadith #3560

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

This world is a Paradise for the disbeliever, death is his dispatcher and hell is his [permanent] dwelling.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us explore the key words in this Hadith. The word (Jannah) "جَنَّةُ" is used to describe this world as a paradise for the disbeliever. It refers to a place of delight, pleasure, and abundance. The word (mushkhisuhu) "مُشْخِصُهُ" is translated as "his dispatcher" and signifies that death is the appointed messenger that separates the disbeliever from this worldly life. Lastly, the word (mathwahu) "مَثْواهُ" means "his [permanent] dwelling" and refers to hell, the eternal abode of the disbelievers.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death for every soul and highlights the transient nature of this worldly life. It reminds us that the true compensation and reward for our actions will be granted on the Day of Resurrection. The life of this world, as described by Allah, is merely an illusionary enjoyment, a temporary pleasure that can distract us from the ultimate reality.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

This verse reinforces the idea that this worldly life is a mere diversion and amusement, meant to test our faith and devotion. It is a transient phase that should not be the sole focus of our existence. The true and everlasting life is the one that awaits us in the Hereafter, where our actions will be accounted for and rewarded accordingly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that this world, with all its materialistic allurements, is a paradise for those who disbelieve in the truth and choose to live a life devoid of faith and righteousness. For them, death becomes the means of their departure from this temporary abode, leading them to their permanent dwelling in the fires of hell.

This Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to prioritize their faith and strive for righteousness, recognizing the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of disbelief and the significance of our choices in determining our ultimate destination.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that this world is a temporary abode, a paradise for those who reject faith, while death serves as the messenger that separates them from this worldly life. It highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life in the Hereafter, as emphasized in the Quran. May we all strive to live a life of faith, righteousness, and devotion, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.