Hadith #596

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أوْفَرُ النَّاسِ حَظّاً مِنَ الآخِرَةِ أقَلُّهُمْ حَظّاً مِنَ الدُّنيا۔

This Hadith emphasizes the idea that those who have the greatest share of the Hereafter are those who have the smallest share of this world.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (awfar) "أوْفَرُ" means the greatest or the most abundant. (annas) "النَّاسِ" refers to people or individuals. (hazza) "حَظّاً" means share or portion. (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life after death. And (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to this worldly life.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their focus on the Hereafter rather than becoming overly attached to the material possessions and desires of this world. It teaches us that true success lies in investing in our spiritual growth and accumulating good deeds that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and actions. By prioritizing the Hereafter, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

When we prioritize the Hereafter, we are motivated to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and seeking knowledge. These acts serve as a means of purifying our souls, strengthening our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Conversely, when we become overly attached to the material possessions and desires of this world, we risk losing sight of our ultimate purpose and neglecting our spiritual growth. This attachment can lead to greed, arrogance, and a disregard for the rights of others. It can also distract us from fulfilling our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By focusing on our spiritual growth, accumulating good deeds, and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain the greatest share in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.