Hadith #3898

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, as well as his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the deceptive nature of this worldly life and the importance of having a positive perception of the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the allure and attachment to the materialistic aspects of this world are not worth sacrificing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (duniyāka) "دُنياكَ" refers to "your worldly life" or "your temporal existence." It encompasses all the transient pleasures, possessions, and pursuits that occupy our attention and desires. The term (taḥabbabat) "تَحَبَّبَتْ" means "endears itself" or "becomes beloved." It signifies the attachment and fondness that we develop for the worldly life due to its temporary attractions and pleasures.

On the other hand, the word (ākhirah) "آخِرَةِ" refers to the "Hereafter" or the "afterlife." It encompasses the eternal life that awaits us beyond this temporary world. The term (qabbaha) "قَبََّحَها" means

made to appear ugly

or "deemed unattractive." It highlights the negative perception that some individuals have towards the Hereafter due to their preoccupation with worldly matters and their lack of understanding of its true beauty and rewards.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 201:

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse emphasizes the danger of solely focusing on worldly gains and neglecting the Hereafter. Those who prioritize the temporary pleasures of this world over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter will find themselves devoid of any share in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 45, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 transient nature of this worldly life. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, it eventually withers away, leaving behind dry remnants. Similarly, the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary attractions of this world. It urges us to shift our perspective and recognize the true value of the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. By understanding the impermanence and deceitfulness of worldly pleasures, we can redirect our focus towards actions and deeds that will secure our place in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect upon the consequences of our choices and perceptions. If we allow ourselves to be captivated by the allure of this world, we risk losing sight of the ultimate purpose of our existence and the everlasting rewards that lie ahead. Conversely, by recognizing the true beauty and significance of the Hereafter, we can strive to lead a life that aligns with the teachings of Islam and secures our place in the eternal abode.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary attractions of this world. By understanding the transient nature of worldly pleasures and developing a positive perception of the Hereafter, we can strive to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal abode. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.