Hadith #542

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُوبى لِمَنْ ذَكَرَ المَعادَ فأحْسَنَ۔

This can be translated as,

Blessed is he who remembers the Hereafter and thus does good.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (dhakara) "ذَكَرَ" in this Hadith means to remember or to keep in mind. It implies actively reflecting upon and internalizing the concept of the Hereafter. The word (al-ma'ad) "المَعادَ" refers to the Day of Judgment, the ultimate destination and the eternal life that awaits us after death. It encompasses the belief in the resurrection, accountability, and the rewards and punishments that will be meted out based on our actions in this worldly life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of remembering the Hereafter in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:16), Allah says,

Has not the time come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?

This verse highlights the significance of remembering Allah and the truth revealed in the Quran, which includes the concept of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:187), Allah reminds us,

They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, 'Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly.'

This verse emphasizes the uncertainty of the Hour and the importance of being prepared for it by constantly remembering and anticipating its arrival.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to not only remember the Hereafter but also to do good deeds as a result of this remembrance. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنَ" in the Hadith means to do good or to excel in righteousness. It implies that the remembrance of the Hereafter should motivate us to perform acts of kindness, righteousness, and obedience to Allah.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds in light of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the correlation between faith, good deeds, and the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:102-103), Allah states,

Then those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally.

These verses emphasize the importance of performing good deeds and having them outweigh our sins, as it determines our success or failure in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly reflect upon the Hereafter and allow this remembrance to inspire them to perform good deeds. By remembering the Day of Judgment and the eternal consequences of our actions, we are motivated to strive for righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enabled him to convey such profound and impactful statements. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge and wisdom, and incorporate the remembrance of the Hereafter into our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of remembering the Hereafter and using this remembrance as a motivation to perform good deeds. By reflecting upon the Day of Judgment and the eternal consequences of our actions, we are inspired to excel in righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to remember the Hereafter and strive for excellence in our deeds.