Hadith #538

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّكمْ إلى الآخِرَةِ صائِرُونَ وعَلَى اللّهِ مَعْرُوضُونَ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily you are all proceeding towards the Hereafter and will be presented before Allah.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (Hereafter) "آخِرَةِ" refers to the life after death, the eternal realm where the consequences of our actions in this world will be realized. It is a reminder that our existence in this world is temporary, and our ultimate destination lies in the Hereafter. The word (proceeding) "صائِرُونَ" emphasizes the certainty of our journey towards the Hereafter. It highlights the fact that every step we take in this world is leading us closer to our meeting with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (and will be presented before Allah) "عَلَى اللّهِ مَعْرُوضُونَ" holds great significance. It signifies that every individual will stand before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to be held accountable for their actions in this world. This presentation before Allah is not merely a physical encounter, but a spiritual one where our deeds, intentions, and the state of our hearts will be laid bare. It is a moment of ultimate truth and justice, where every action and intention will be weighed and judged.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64),

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, and the true life lies in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that their focus should be on preparing for the eternal life to come.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the Day of Resurrection, where our true recompense will be given. It reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and illusory, and the real success lies in attaining salvation in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that it serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and intentions. It urges us to be mindful of the fact that our journey in this world is leading us towards the ultimate meeting with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This awareness should motivate us to strive for righteousness, to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, and to seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of accountability. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences and that we will be answerable for them in the Hereafter. This realization should instill a sense of responsibility and encourage us to lead a life of integrity and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims that their journey in this world is leading them towards the Hereafter. It emphasizes the certainty of our meeting with Allah and the accountability we will face for our actions. It urges us to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His will and to prepare for the meeting with Him in the Hereafter.