Hadith #609

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the purpose of our existence and the ultimate goal we should strive for. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily you have been created for the Hereafter, not for this world, and for perpetuity, not for extinction.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khuliqtum) "خُلِقْتُمْ" refers to the act of creation, highlighting that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has brought us into existence. (lil-akhirah) "لِلآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. It is the realm where our actions in this world will be accounted for and where we will reap the rewards or face the consequences of our deeds. On the other hand, (lid-dunya) "لِلدُّنيا" refers to this temporary world, which is transient and fleeting.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that our purpose is not solely for the pleasures and pursuits of this world. We have not been created for the sake of material possessions, wealth, or worldly success. Instead, our true purpose lies in preparing for the Hereafter and seeking eternal salvation.

To support this exegesis, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64),

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 reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are merely temporary distractions. The true life, the everlasting life, lies in the Hereafter.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. So will you not use reason?

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and urges us to reflect on the greater and everlasting rewards that await us in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also emphasizes the concept of perpetuity and eternal existence. We have been created for (lil-baqaa') "لِلْبَقَاءِ", which refers to everlasting life. Our existence does not end with death; rather, it continues in the Hereafter. This notion is supported by numerous verses in the Quran.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:82), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. It is the promise of Allah, [which is] truth, and who is more truthful than Allah in statement?

This verse assures us that the righteous believers will be granted eternal life in Paradise, where they will dwell forever.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Upon the inhabitants will be green garments of fine silk and brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink.

This verse describes the rewards and blessings that await the righteous in the Hereafter, emphasizing their everlasting nature.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder to Muslims that our primary focus should be on the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the temporary attractions of this world. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards eternal salvation and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By understanding the true purpose of our existence, we can strive to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare ourselves for the everlasting life that awaits us in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His will, and may He bless us with success in both this world and the Hereafter.