Hadith #580

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) highlights the divine promise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to reward those who prioritize their Hereafter over their worldly affairs. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when people willingly give up something from their worldly life in order to rectify their Hereafter, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compensates them with something even better.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (layatruk) "لايَتْرُكُ" means "do not leave" or "do not abandon." Here, it refers to individuals who willingly give up or abstain from certain aspects of their worldly life. The phrase (shay'an min dunyāhum) "شَيْئاً مِنْ دُنياهُمْ" means

anything from their worldly life.

It encompasses material possessions, desires, and pursuits that are solely focused on worldly gains.

The phrase (li-islahi ākhiratihim) "لإصلاحِ آخِرَتِهِمْ" means

for the sake of improving their Hereafter.

It signifies the intention and action of individuals who prioritize their spiritual growth, seeking to rectify their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) assures us that when we make such sacrifices, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rewards us abundantly. The phrase (ʿawwadahumu Allah khayran minhu)

عَوَّضَهُمُ اللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ خَيْراً مِنْهُ

means

Allah compensates them with what is better than it.

This indicates that the reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our sacrifices in this world will surpass anything we have given up.

This divine promise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And there are among them those who say, 'Our Lord, grant 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It is a reminder that our actions and sacrifices in this life will have an impact on our eternal abode. When we prioritize our Hereafter, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to grant us goodness in both realms.

Another verse that supports the concept of sacrificing worldly desires for the sake of the Hereafter is found 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 the adornments of this worldly life, such as wealth and children, are temporary and fleeting. However, the enduring good deeds, which are the actions done with the intention of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), hold greater value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By sacrificing worldly desires for the sake of the Hereafter, we are investing in everlasting rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and strive for the Hereafter. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and make conscious choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure and eternal bliss.

When we willingly give up worldly pursuits and desires, we are demonstrating our faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We are acknowledging that the true fulfillment and success lie in the Hereafter, and that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of all goodness and reward.

By sacrificing worldly pleasures, we detach ourselves from materialism and focus on cultivating our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This can manifest in various forms, such as giving up excessive wealth, refraining from sinful actions, and dedicating more time to acts of worship and serving others.

The consequences of prioritizing the Hereafter are profound. Not only do we attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the promise of eternal rewards, but we also experience a sense of inner peace and contentment. Our hearts become purified, and we develop a deeper connection with our Creator.

Furthermore, when we prioritize the Hereafter, we inspire others to do the same. Our actions serve as a beacon of guidance for those around us, encouraging them to reflect on their own priorities and make positive changes in their lives. This ripple effect can lead to a collective transformation within our communities and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the divine promise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to reward those who prioritize their Hereafter over their worldly affairs. By willingly sacrificing worldly desires and pursuits, we demonstrate our faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This choice leads to abundant rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), both in this life and the Hereafter. May we all strive to prioritize our Hereafter and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions.