Hadith #3937

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the temporary nature of this worldly life and striving for the everlasting abode of the Hereafter. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (transient abode) "دار الفناء" and (Eternal Abode) "دار البقاء". The word "فناء" refers to something that is perishable, transient, and fleeting. It signifies the temporary nature of this worldly life, which is bound to come to an end. On the other hand, the word "بقاء" denotes permanence, eternity, and everlastingness. It represents the eternal life of the Hereafter, where the believers will reside forever.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64:

(Quran 29:64)

This worldly life is only amusement and diversion. And if you believe and fear Allah, He will give you your rewards and not ask you for your properties.

This verse highlights the transient nature of this worldly life, which is filled with distractions and fleeting pleasures. It serves as a reminder that our focus should not be solely on the materialistic aspects of this life, but rather on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

(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.

This verse encourages us to seek the eternal abode of the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual journey. We should not become so engrossed in the pursuit of worldly gains that we neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He advises us that once we recognize the transient nature of this worldly life, it becomes incumbent upon us to work diligently for the Eternal Abode. This means that we should prioritize our actions and efforts towards attaining success in the Hereafter, as it is the ultimate goal of every believer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should utilize it wisely. It motivates us to engage in righteous deeds, seek knowledge, perform acts of worship, and strive for moral excellence. By doing so, we are investing in our eternal future and securing a place in the everlasting abode.

The consequences of heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are profound. When we prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world, we develop a stronger connection with Allah, gain inner peace, and experience a sense of purpose in our lives. Our actions become guided by the principles of Islam, and we become more conscious of our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and society at large.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to recognize the transient nature of this worldly life and to strive for the Eternal Abode. By prioritizing our actions and efforts towards the Hereafter, we ensure that our deeds are aligned with the teachings of Islam and that we are investing in our eternal future. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to work for the Eternal Abode and to attain success in both this life and the Hereafter.