Hadith #7801

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Working for the Hereafter with desire for this world has no benefit.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of sincerity and purity of intention in our actions. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (amal) "العَمَلُ", which means "action" or "deed," (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ", which refers to the Hereafter, and (al-raghbah) "الرَّغْبَةِ", which translates to "desire" or "attachment." It is important to understand the meanings of these words to fully comprehend the message of this Hadith.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of actions and their consequences in numerous verses. For example, 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 highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the superiority of good deeds in the sight of Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 strive for the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It emphasizes the importance of balance and righteous actions.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam reminds us that working for the Hereafter while being attached to the desires and attractions of this world is futile. Our actions should be solely for the sake of Allah and the Hereafter, without any ulterior motives or worldly attachments.

When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, or giving charity, our intention should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and to attain success in the Hereafter. If our actions are driven by a desire for worldly gains, such as wealth, status, or recognition, then they lose their true value and become devoid of any benefit in the sight of Allah.

For example, if someone prays with the intention of showing off or gaining praise from others, their prayer loses its sincerity and becomes a mere display. Similarly, if someone gives charity only to enhance their reputation or to gain material benefits in return, their act of charity loses its spiritual essence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and purify their hearts. It urges us to detach ourselves from the allurements of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions are sincere and pleasing to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that working for the Hereafter with a desire for this world holds no benefit. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity and purity of intention in our actions. We must strive to perform our deeds solely for the sake of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, without being attached to worldly desires. May Allah guide us to purify our intentions and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.