Hadith #3389

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Consolidation of good is in acting on that which lasts and making light of that which perishes.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (jima'u) "جِماعُ" means consolidation or gathering together. It implies the gathering and accumulation of good deeds. The word (al-khayr) "الخَيرِ" refers to goodness or righteousness. (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" means actions or deeds. (bi ma yabqa) "بِما يَبْقى" translates to "that which lasts" or "that which remains." It refers to actions that have a lasting impact and continue to benefit us in this world and the Hereafter. On the other hand, (al-istihana) "الاسْتِهانَةِ" means making light of or belittling something. (bi ma yafna) "بِما يَفنى" means "that which perishes" or

that which fades away.

It refers to actions that have temporary or insignificant consequences.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds rather than worldly possessions or temporary pleasures. It reminds us that true success lies in investing our efforts in actions that have everlasting rewards.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of balancing our worldly responsibilities with our pursuit of the Hereafter. It encourages us to do good deeds while fulfilling our worldly obligations, reminding us that neglecting either aspect can lead to imbalance and corruption.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to prioritize actions that have lasting impact and benefit. By consolidating our efforts towards such deeds, we ensure that our actions are meaningful and beneficial in both this world and the Hereafter. This requires us to discern between actions that have temporary consequences and those that have eternal rewards.

For example, spending our time and resources in acts of charity, seeking knowledge, and establishing good relationships are actions that have lasting benefits. These deeds not only bring immediate rewards but also continue to benefit us and others long after we have passed away. On the other hand, indulging in materialistic pursuits, seeking temporary pleasures, or engaging in harmful activities are actions that have fleeting or negative consequences. By making light of such actions, we avoid wasting our time and energy on pursuits that do not bring lasting fulfillment or benefit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance reminds us to be mindful of the choices we make in our daily lives. It encourages us to prioritize actions that align with the teachings of Islam and have a lasting impact. By doing so, we not only fulfill our responsibilities in this world but also strive towards attaining success in the Hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to consolidate our efforts towards lasting good deeds and protect us from being heedless of that which perishes.