Hadith #589

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious and not be deceived or swindled away from the "Permanent Abode" or "Dar al-Qarar". The Imam then describes this abode as the dwelling place of the righteous and virtuous elite, about whom the Qur'an has spoken and praised. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has guided us towards this abode and invited us to it.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this hadith to gain a better understanding. The term "Dar al-Qarar" refers to the permanent and stable abode, which is the ultimate destination for believers in the Hereafter. It is a place of eternal peace and tranquility, where the righteous and virtuous will reside. The term "Tayyibeen al-Akhyaar" refers to the pure and noble individuals who possess outstanding qualities and are chosen by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These individuals are praised by the Qur'an for their righteousness and piety.

To further comprehend the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Qur'an for guidance. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and directs our attention towards the everlasting abode of the Hereafter.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us that material possessions and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments, while the everlasting reward lies in the righteous deeds performed for the sake of Allah.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of focusing on the Hereafter and not being deceived by the temporary allurements of this world. It urges us to strive for righteousness and virtue, as these are the qualities that will grant us entry into the Permanent Abode. The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes the significance of these qualities and the eternal rewards that await those who possess them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect upon the qualities of the righteous individuals mentioned in the Qur'an. By studying their lives and emulating their actions, we can strive to become among the chosen ones who will reside in the Permanent Abode. This requires a conscious effort to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and engage in righteous deeds that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the hadith highlights the divine guidance and invitation extended by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) towards this Permanent Abode. It is a reminder that Allah, in His infinite mercy, has provided us with the means to attain salvation and eternal bliss. It is our responsibility as Muslims to heed this call, seek knowledge, and strive to live a life that aligns with the teachings of the Qur'an and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary attractions of this world. It urges us to strive for righteousness and virtue, as these are the qualities that will grant us entry into the Permanent Abode. By studying the lives of the righteous individuals mentioned in the Qur'an and emulating their actions, we can strengthen our faith and work towards attaining the ultimate goal of eternal bliss in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on this righteous path and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.