Hadith #548

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, his righteous companions, and all Muslims.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be among the children of the Hereafter and not among the children of this world. He reminds us that every child will ultimately be reunited with their mother on the Day of Reckoning, implying that our actions and choices in this life will have consequences in the Hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and phrases used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (ibnaa) "أبْناءِ" means "children" or "offspring," while (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. On the other hand, (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life, the temporary and transient nature of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to be from the children of the Hereafter implies that we should prioritize our actions and decisions based on their impact on our eternal life. We should strive to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and focus on accumulating good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. This does not mean that we should neglect our responsibilities in this world, but rather, we should approach them with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life to come.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201):

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, emphasizing the balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 although wealth and children may be considered blessings in this world, they are merely temporary adornments. The enduring good deeds, however, hold greater value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are a means of attaining reward and hope in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the spiritual growth and development that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

By prioritizing the Hereafter, we can cultivate qualities such as patience, gratitude, and contentment, which are essential for our spiritual journey. We should strive to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, with sincerity and devotion, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than worldly recognition or gain.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the transient nature of this world. By focusing on our spiritual growth and performing righteous deeds, we can strive to be among the children of the Hereafter and attain success in the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.