Hadith #4282

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 righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The gainer is one who has sold this world for the Hereafter and has exchanged the transient for the eternal.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are "sold," "this world," "Hereafter," "transient," and "eternal." The word (باعَ) "sold" implies a transaction, indicating that one must be willing to give up the fleeting pleasures and material possessions of this world in exchange for the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. It emphasizes the need for prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary life of this world.

The phrase (الدُّنيا) "this world" refers to the materialistic aspects of life, including wealth, power, and worldly desires. It encompasses everything that distracts us from our spiritual journey and the pursuit of righteousness. The Quran warns us about the deceptive nature of this world and its temporary nature in several verses:

(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.

The term (الآخِرَةِ) "Hereafter" refers to the eternal life that awaits us after death. It is the realm of everlasting rewards and punishments, where our actions in this world will be accounted for. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Hereafter:

(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.

The word (العاجِلَةِ) "transient" refers to the temporary nature of the pleasures and possessions of this world. It highlights the fact that everything in this world is fleeting and will eventually come to an end. The Quran reminds us of the impermanence of worldly possessions:

(Quran 3:14)

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.

On the other hand, the term (الآجِلَةِ) "eternal" refers to the everlasting rewards and blessings that await the believers in the Hereafter. It signifies the eternal bliss and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that can only be attained by prioritizing the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith urges us to reflect on our priorities and make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that true success lies in sacrificing worldly desires and focusing on the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By selling this world for the Hereafter, we are not expected to completely detach ourselves from worldly responsibilities, but rather to prioritize our actions and intentions in a way that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to use our worldly resources and abilities to serve the greater good, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the betterment of society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. It encourages us to make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining eternal success and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to be among those who have truly gained by selling this world for the Hereafter, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us success in both worlds.