Hadith #3732

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst choice is exchanging the everlasting with the transient.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal over the temporary, and serves as a reminder for Muslims to make wise decisions in their lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ikhtiyar) "اخْتيارُ" refers to choice or selection, implying that individuals have the ability to make decisions. (ta'awwudh) "التَّعَوُّضُ" means to compensate or substitute, indicating the act of exchanging one thing for another. (ma yafna) "ما يَفْنى" refers to what is transient or perishable, while (amma yabqa) "عَمّا يَبْقى" refers to what is everlasting or enduring.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal over the temporary. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (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 illustrates the transient nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of life. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, our worldly possessions and desires may seem fulfilling in the short term. However, they eventually wither away and are scattered by the winds of time. In contrast, the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter are far more valuable and should be the focus of our choices and actions.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah says, (Quran 28:77)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us that while we should strive for success in this world, we must not forget our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise in the Hereafter. It is essential to strike a balance between fulfilling our worldly responsibilities and seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. The transient nature of worldly possessions should not distract us from our ultimate purpose and should not lead us to make choices that compromise our eternal salvation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the everlasting over the temporary. It urges us to make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise and pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our decisions and to choose actions that have a lasting impact.

For example, when faced with the choice between indulging in materialistic desires or engaging in acts of charity and kindness, we should opt for the latter. While material possessions may bring temporary pleasure, the rewards of helping others and seeking the pleasure of Allah are everlasting. By making choices that prioritize the eternal, we not only benefit ourselves in the Hereafter but also contribute to the betterment of society in the present.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the everlasting over the transient. It urges us to make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise and pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By reflecting on the transient nature of worldly possessions and focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, we can make wise decisions that have a lasting impact. May Allah guide us to make choices that lead to eternal success.