Hadith #3908

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he draws a powerful comparison between two individuals: the deceived person who attains success in this worldly life with minimal effort, and the person who attains success in the Hereafter through his utmost exertion and dedication.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The Arabic word (maghroor) "مَغْرُورُ" refers to the deceived or deluded person. This individual is deceived by the temporary pleasures and attractions of this worldly life, which lead them astray from the path of righteousness. The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means to gain success or triumph.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the contrast between the two types of success. The first person gains success in this world through the smallest portion or effort, indicating that their achievements are fleeting and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, the second person attains success in the Hereafter by exerting their greatest effort, emphasizing the immense value and significance of their actions in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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

(Quran 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 reminds us that the material possessions and worldly achievements that may deceive us are merely temporary adornments. True success lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah, as they hold greater value and reward in the sight of our Lord.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of faith, righteous deeds, and mutual advice towards truth and patience. It reminds us that true success lies in our dedication to fulfilling our obligations to Allah and serving His creation.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the deceived person who gains success in this world with minimal effort is ultimately at a loss. Their achievements are temporary and devoid of true value in the sight of Allah. In contrast, the person who strives and exerts their greatest effort in pursuing success in the Hereafter is the one who attains true success and eternal reward.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions, focusing on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter rather than being deluded by the temporary attractions of this worldly life. It encourages us to exert our utmost effort in performing righteous deeds, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity, as these are the actions that will bring us closer to Allah and secure our success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to understand the true meaning of success and the strength to strive for it with our utmost effort. May He bless us with the ability to overcome the deceptions of this world and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. Ameen.