Hadith #546

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

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

The goal of the Hereafter is everlasting [life].

Let us delve into the meaning of this wise utterance and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayatu) "غايَةُ" in Arabic refers to the ultimate objective, purpose, or goal. It signifies the end result or the desired outcome of a particular endeavor. In this context, it represents the ultimate goal of the Hereafter, which is the eternal life in Paradise.

The word (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the life that follows our worldly existence. It is the realm of eternal bliss or punishment, depending on our actions in this world. The Hereafter is a fundamental belief in Islam, and it is a central theme in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of its significance.

To understand the significance of the goal of the Hereafter, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the eternal nature of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:82)

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever

This verse highlights the everlasting nature of the reward for those who believe and perform good deeds.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah describes the rewards of the righteous in Paradise, saying, (Quran 83:25-28)

They will be given to drink [pure] wine [which was] sealed. The last of it is musk. So for this, let the competitors compete. And its mixture is of Tasneem, a spring from which those near [to Allah] drink

These verses depict the everlasting pleasures and delights that await the believers in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the ultimate goal of the Hereafter. This statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain focused on the eternal life and to strive for it through righteous actions and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Understanding the goal of the Hereafter has profound implications on our lives. It shapes our priorities, motivations, and actions in this world. When we realize that the true purpose of our existence is to attain eternal bliss in the Hereafter, we become more conscious of our choices and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the choices we make in this temporary world. It reminds us that the pleasures and achievements of this life are fleeting, while the rewards of the Hereafter are everlasting. It motivates us to prioritize our spiritual growth, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder that the Hereafter is not merely a distant concept, but a reality that should shape our daily lives. It urges us to constantly evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that they are in line with the teachings of Islam and aimed at attaining the eternal life in Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the ultimate goal of the Hereafter, which is the everlasting life in Paradise. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our actions and choices in this world to align with the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By reflecting on this beautiful saying and incorporating its teachings into our lives, we can strive towards attaining the ultimate goal of the Hereafter and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in the Hereafter.