Hadith #11478

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

One who is certain about the Hereafter does not covet this world.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a strong belief in the Hereafter and the consequences it has on one's attachment to worldly desires.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this hadith. The word (aiqana) "أيْقَنَ" means to have certainty or firm belief. It signifies a level of conviction that goes beyond mere belief or assumption. The word (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. And the word (yahris) "يَحْرِصْ" means to covet or desire eagerly.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (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.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly possessions and desires, but it also reminds us that the true reward lies with Allah in the Hereafter. Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 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 analogy illustrates the temporary nature of worldly life, which eventually fades away like dry remnants. It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to prioritize our belief in the Hereafter over our attachment to worldly desires. When one truly believes in the Hereafter, they understand that the pleasures and possessions of this world are temporary and transient. This belief acts as a shield against excessive attachment to worldly pursuits, as the true believer recognizes that their ultimate goal lies in the eternal life to come.

By not coveting this world, believers are able to focus on actions and deeds that will benefit them in the Hereafter. They are motivated by the desire to earn Allah's pleasure and attain success in the eternal realm. This mindset leads to a life of moderation and contentment, as the believer is not consumed by the constant pursuit of worldly gains.

The consequences of this mindset are profound. By prioritizing the Hereafter, believers are able to detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of this world. They are not swayed by the temporary pleasures and distractions that can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. Instead, they invest their time and energy in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our belief in the Hereafter. It serves as a guiding light, helping us navigate the challenges and temptations of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly desires, we can strive for a balanced and purposeful life, focused on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the certainty of the Hereafter and the strength to prioritize it over the fleeting pleasures of this world. May He guide us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and grant us success in both worlds.