Hadith #7767

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

نِعْمَ الاِعْتِدادُ العَمَلُ لِلْمَعادِ۔

This can be translated as,

How good a preparation working for the Hereafter is!

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of preparing ourselves for the life to come after death. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (i'tidād) "اِعْتِدادُ" in this Hadith refers to preparation or readiness. It signifies the act of making oneself ready and equipped for a particular purpose. In the context of the Hadith, it refers to the preparation and readiness for the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death.

The word (ʿamal) "عَمَلُ" means action or deed. It encompasses all our thoughts, words, and actions that we engage in throughout our lives. It includes acts of worship, acts of kindness, and acts of righteousness. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of these actions in relation to the Hereafter.

To understand the importance of preparing for the Hereafter, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the eternal nature of the Hereafter and the consequences of our actions in this world. Allah says in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9),

The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah and the performance of righteous deeds. It highlights that those who prepare and work for the Hereafter will be rewarded with the removal of their misdeeds and eternal bliss in Paradise. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, as he encourages Muslims to focus on the actions that will benefit them in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah says,

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 the material possessions and worldly attachments we accumulate in this life are temporary and fleeting. It is the enduring good deeds that we perform that hold true value in the sight of Allah and bring us closer to our ultimate hope, which is the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Hereafter in this Hadith. He reminds us that our actions in this world have a direct impact on our eternal life. By focusing on righteous deeds and striving to please Allah, we are actively preparing ourselves for the Hereafter.

The motivation behind this Hadith is to encourage Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions with the Hereafter in mind. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we must make the most of it by engaging in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come. By constantly striving to improve ourselves and seeking Allah's pleasure, we are actively preparing for the Hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting the preparation for the Hereafter are grave. The Quran warns us of the consequences of a life solely focused on worldly pursuits. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

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 our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. Neglecting the preparation for the Hereafter and solely indulging in worldly pursuits can lead to corruption and a loss of focus on our ultimate purpose in life. It is essential to remember that our actions in this world have consequences, both in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions with the eternal life in mind. By focusing on righteous deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure, we actively prepare ourselves for the Hereafter. The Quranic verses mentioned support this exegesis, highlighting the eternal nature of the Hereafter and the consequences of our actions in this world. May Allah guide us all to prepare for the Hereafter and grant us success in this life and the next.