Hadith #2192

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) states,

The judicious person is one who abandons this world for the sake of the Hereafter.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal life in the Hereafter over the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this worldly life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hazim) "حازِمُ" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, prudence, and the ability to make sound judgments. This individual is not easily swayed by the allurements of this world and is steadfast in their commitment to the Hereafter. The word (taraka) "تَرَكَ" means to abandon or leave something behind. In this context, it signifies the act of willingly forsaking the attractions and distractions of this world in order to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

The teachings of the Quran support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and urges believers to prioritize the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:15)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return

This verse reminds us that although the attractions of this world may seem appealing, they are temporary and will eventually fade away. The true and everlasting rewards lie in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah says, (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 verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly life. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, it eventually withers away and is scattered by the wind. Similarly, the pleasures and possessions of this world will eventually fade away, leaving us with nothing but the consequences of our actions in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. By abandoning the pursuit of worldly desires and focusing on actions that will earn us eternal rewards, we demonstrate true wisdom and prudence. This does not mean that we completely detach ourselves from this world, but rather, we strike a balance between fulfilling our worldly responsibilities and investing in our spiritual growth.

When we prioritize the Hereafter, we are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for moral excellence. We become more conscious of our actions and their consequences, making decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam. By investing in our relationship with Allah and seeking His pleasure, we lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be judicious and wise in our choices by prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary attractions of this world. The Quranic verses mentioned support this message by highlighting the transient nature of worldly possessions and emphasizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By aligning our actions with the pursuit of the Hereafter, we attain true wisdom and prudence, leading us to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and success in the sight of Allah. May Allah guide us all to make choices that are pleasing to Him and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.