Hadith #4918

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a profound lesson on how to interact with others and prioritize our actions. Let us delve into the words of this hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The first part of the hadith states,

Be peaceful with people and you will be safe.

The word (sālimi) "سالِمِ" means to be peaceful, tranquil, and harmonious in our interactions with others. It encourages us to maintain good relations, avoid conflicts, and promote peace and harmony within society. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

Furthermore, the hadith reminds us that by being peaceful with others, we will also attain safety. This safety can be understood in both a physical and spiritual sense. By fostering peace and avoiding conflicts, we create an environment of security and tranquility for ourselves and those around us. Additionally, by maintaining peaceful relationships, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences of animosity and discord.

The second part of the hadith states,

Work for the Hereafter and you will be successful.

The word (taghnam) "تَغْنَمْ" refers to gaining profit or benefit. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prioritize our actions and focus on working for the Hereafter, as it is the ultimate source of success and eternal reward. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, where 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.

By working for the Hereafter, we invest our time, energy, and resources in acts of worship, charity, and righteousness. We prioritize fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and seeking His pleasure. This does not mean neglecting our worldly responsibilities, but rather striking a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual growth. By doing so, we attain true success, both in this life and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this hadith, we realize the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships with others and striving for the Hereafter. By being peaceful, we contribute to a harmonious society and protect ourselves from the harms of discord. By prioritizing the Hereafter, we invest in everlasting rewards and secure our ultimate success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and this hadith is a testament to his deep understanding of human nature and the teachings of Islam. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this hadith in our daily lives, seeking peace with others and working diligently for the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings and attain success in this life and the Hereafter.