Hadith #3574

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الرَّابِحُ مَنْ باعَ العاجِلَةَ بِالآجِلَةِ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

The winner is one who sells his world for his Hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in the light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (the winner) "الرَّابِحُ", (sells) "باعَ", (world) "العاجِلَةَ", and (Hereafter) "الآجِلَةِ".

The term (the winner) "الرَّابِحُ" signifies a person who attains true success and prosperity. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to someone who achieves success in both this world and the Hereafter. This success is not limited to material gains or temporary pleasures, but rather encompasses spiritual growth and eternal bliss.

The word (sells) "باعَ" implies making a transaction or exchange. In this Hadith, it symbolizes the act of sacrificing or giving up something of lesser value in order to attain something of greater value. It highlights the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly pursuits and desires.

The term (world) "العاجِلَةَ" refers to the transient and temporary nature of this worldly life. It encompasses the material possessions, wealth, status, and pleasures that we may acquire during our lifetime. While these things are not inherently evil, they should not become our ultimate goal or obsession.

On the other hand, (Hereafter) "الآجِلَةِ" refers to the eternal life that awaits us after death. It encompasses the rewards and punishments that we will face based on our actions in this world. The Hereafter is the realm of everlasting happiness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), where true success lies.

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

But among them is he who says, '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 emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It acknowledges the need for worldly provisions and blessings, but also highlights the significance of safeguarding ourselves from the punishment of the Hellfire in the Hereafter.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

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 worldly possessions and relationships are merely temporary adornments. While they may bring temporary pleasure and comfort, the lasting and superior reward lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that true success lies in prioritizing the Hereafter over the world. It calls upon us to evaluate our actions, intentions, and choices in light of their consequences in the eternal realm.

By selling our worldly desires, attachments, and pursuits for the sake of the Hereafter, we are investing in our eternal future. This entails sacrificing immediate gratification and temporary gains for the sake of attaining everlasting bliss and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, teaches us through this Hadith that true success lies in aligning our actions with the principles and teachings of Islam. It encourages us to strive for righteousness, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and purify our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to prioritize the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. It urges us to make choices and decisions that will lead us to eternal success and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and attain true success in both this world and the Hereafter.