Hadith #10696

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

أرْبَحُ النّاسِ مَنِ اشْتَرى بِالدُّنيا اَلآخِرَةَ

which translates to

The person who makes the most profit is one who buys the Hereafter with this world.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal life in the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and gains of this worldly life.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (arbah) "أرْبَحُ" means "the most profitable" or

the one who gains the most benefit.

It emphasizes the concept of maximizing gains and profits. The word (ishtara) "اشْتَرى" means "to buy" or "to purchase." It implies making a conscious choice and investment. The word (bid-dunya) "بِالدُّنيا" refers to "this world" or "the worldly life." And finally, (al-akhirah) "اَلآخِرَةَ" refers to "the Hereafter" or

the life after death.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be supported by several Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced approach of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, but with a clear recognition of the ultimate significance of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary adornments, while the good deeds performed for the sake of Allah are the true investments that yield eternal rewards.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions in this world. It encourages us to use the resources and opportunities of this life to invest in our eternal life in the Hereafter. Just as a wise merchant seeks to maximize their profits, the true believer seeks to maximize their gains in the Hereafter by utilizing the blessings and opportunities of this world in a way that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, a person who spends their wealth in acts of charity, helping the needy, and supporting righteous causes is making a wise investment. They are using their worldly possessions to earn the pleasure of Allah and secure a place in the eternal abode of paradise. Similarly, a person who invests their time and efforts in seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and spreading goodness is prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly pursuits.

Conversely, those who solely focus on accumulating wealth, power, and material possessions without considering their impact on their spiritual growth and the welfare of others are neglecting the true purpose of life. They may gain temporary benefits and pleasures in this world, but they are at a loss in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It reminds us that the true measure of success lies not in the accumulation of worldly possessions, but in the investment we make in our eternal life. By prioritizing the Hereafter, we can attain true success and everlasting happiness in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to prioritize the Hereafter and make choices that lead to eternal success. May we be among those who make the most profitable investment by buying the Hereafter with this world. And may we be granted the honor of being in the company of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous in the eternal abode of paradise.