Hadith #3733

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Your remaining [in this world] is towards annihilation and your annihilation [from this world] is towards eternity.

This beautiful saying holds deep wisdom and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life and the everlasting nature of the hereafter.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (baqaa) "بَقَاء" refers to remaining or existence, while (fanaa) "فَنَاء" signifies annihilation or destruction. These words highlight the temporal nature of our existence in this world and the inevitability of our departure from it. The word (baqaa) "بَقَاء" also carries the connotation of permanence, indicating that our true abode lies in the eternal realm of the hereafter.

This Hadith finds resonance in the Quranic verses that emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly life and the eternal nature of the afterlife. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60,

Whatever you have been given is but a fleeting enjoyment of this worldly life, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and rely upon their Lord.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. Our time in this world is limited, and it is a reminder that we should not become attached to the material possessions and fleeting pleasures it offers. Instead, we should invest our efforts in preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the ultimate purpose of our existence. By recognizing the temporary nature of this world, we can prioritize our actions and strive for deeds that will benefit us in the eternal realm. This Hadith serves as a motivation to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and perform righteous deeds that will secure our place in the everlasting abode.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our choices in this life. If we become engrossed in worldly pursuits and neglect our spiritual growth, we risk losing the opportunity to attain eternal bliss. Conversely, if we prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can ensure our everlasting success in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the hereafter. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and prioritize our efforts towards attaining everlasting success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true purpose of our existence and guide us on the path towards eternal bliss.