Hadith #556

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,

مَنْ حَرَصَ علَى الآخرةِ مَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is desirous of the Hereafter [and works for it] attains it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (harasa) "حَرَصَ" in this Hadith refers to a strong desire or eagerness. It signifies a deep longing and yearning for something. In the context of the Hadith, it refers to the intense desire for the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. This desire is not merely a fleeting wish, but a sincere and passionate longing that drives one to take actions and make efforts to attain it.

The word (malaka) "مَلَكَ" in the Hadith can be translated as "attains" or "achieves." It implies that the one who possesses a genuine desire for the Hereafter will not only hope for it, but will actively work towards it and eventually attain it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200:

So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly desires. Those who focus solely on worldly gains and neglect the Hereafter will find themselves devoid of any share in the eternal life to come.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the balance that should be struck between striving for the Hereafter and fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. We are encouraged to seek the eternal abode while also fulfilling our worldly obligations and engaging in acts of goodness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to have a strong desire for the Hereafter and to actively work towards it. It is not enough to simply hope for paradise, but rather we must strive to earn it through righteous actions and a sincere devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This desire for the Hereafter should be the driving force behind our choices, actions, and intentions in this world.

When one possesses a genuine desire for the Hereafter, it influences their behavior and priorities. They are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and avoid sins. Their focus shifts from the temporary pleasures of this world to the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. This desire becomes a guiding light that shapes their character, decisions, and interactions with others.

The consequences of having a strong desire for the Hereafter are profound. It instills a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, reminding us that our ultimate goal is to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal bliss of paradise. It helps us navigate the challenges and trials of this world with patience and perseverance, knowing that our true reward lies in the Hereafter. This desire also serves as a source of comfort and solace during times of difficulty, reminding us that this world is temporary and that true success lies in the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of having a strong desire for the Hereafter and actively working towards it. It urges Muslims to prioritize the eternal life over worldly pursuits and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of life. By aligning our desires and actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can attain the ultimate goal of paradise and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the sincerity and steadfastness to be among those who are desirous of the Hereafter and attain it.