Hadith #574

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,

Do not sell the Hereafter for this world and do not exchange the everlasting for the evanescent.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal life in the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and gains of this worldly life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sell) "بيع" signifies the act of exchanging or trading. In this context, it symbolizes the act of sacrificing or compromising the rewards and blessings of the Hereafter for the sake of worldly desires and material gains. The word (Hereafter) "آخرة" refers to the eternal life that awaits us after death, where our actions in this world will determine our fate. On the other hand, the word (this world) "دنيا" represents the transient nature of worldly possessions, pleasures, and pursuits.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 57:20)

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.

This ayah reminds us that the pleasures and material possessions of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away. It compares the worldly life to a rain that nourishes the plants, but eventually dries up and turns into debris. In contrast, the Hereafter is described as a realm of severe punishment, forgiveness from Allah, and His approval. This serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to attain success in the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the transient allurements of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns, (Quran 18:45)

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.

This ayah draws a parallel between the life of this world and rain that brings forth vegetation. Just as the vegetation eventually withers away and is scattered by the wind, the pleasures and possessions of this world will also fade away. Allah reminds us of His perfect ability and control over all things, emphasizing that we should not be deceived by the temporary nature of worldly life.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that our focus should be on investing in the Hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary attractions of this world. By prioritizing our actions and intentions towards pleasing Allah and seeking His forgiveness, we can ensure eternal success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It encourages us to strive for success in both realms, while never compromising our faith and the pursuit of the Hereafter. By constantly reminding ourselves of the transient nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter, we can make informed choices and prioritize our actions accordingly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and gains of this worldly life. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the fleeting nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of investing in our spiritual growth and preparing for the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to make choices that are pleasing to Him and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.