Hadith #3650

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the nature of this world and the Hereafter. He states that these two realms are not only different, but they are also opposing forces. They are like two enemies, each with their own distinct path and purpose.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by highlighting the consequences of one's attachment to this world. He says that whoever loves and befriends this world, develops a hatred towards the Hereafter and treats it as an enemy. This is because the love for this world often leads to materialistic pursuits, worldly desires, and a neglect of spiritual growth and preparation for the eternal life to come.

To further emphasize this point, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws a powerful analogy. He compares the world and the Hereafter to the East and the West. Just as the East and the West are opposite directions, one who walks between them constantly moves away from one as they approach the other. Similarly, when a person becomes engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, they distance themselves from the spiritual realm of the Hereafter.

This analogy serves as a reminder that our choices and actions in this world have consequences for our eternal life. If we prioritize the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world, we risk losing sight of the ultimate goal of attaining Paradise and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, if we prioritize the Hereafter and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we distance ourselves from the allurements and distractions of this world.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the teachings of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the temporary nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and possessions of this world are transient and will eventually fade away. Just as the vegetation withers and scatters, so too will the worldly delights we may become attached to. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the Hereafter, which is everlasting and eternal.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 87:16-17)

But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.

This verse emphasizes the superiority and lasting nature of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions towards the eternal life to come, rather than becoming overly attached to the fleeting attractions of this world.

Reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the importance of striking a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. While it is necessary to fulfill our worldly duties, we must not allow ourselves to become so engrossed in the pursuit of worldly pleasures that we neglect our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, provides us with profound insight into the nature of this world and the Hereafter. Through his teachings, we are reminded of the need to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and to constantly strive towards the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the attainment of Paradise.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and the Hereafter, and the strength to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly. May He guide us to balance our worldly responsibilities with our spiritual obligations, and grant us success in both realms. Ameen.