Hadith #3786

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طَلَبُ الجَمْعِ بَيْنَ الدُّنْيا والآخِرَةِ مِنْ خِداعِ النَّفسِ۔

This can be translated as,

Seeking to join this world with the Hereafter is from the deceptions of the self.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (talabu) "طَلَبُ" means "seeking" or "striving for." It implies an active pursuit or endeavor. In this context, it refers to the desire to combine or unite the affairs of this worldly life (دُّنْيا) with the affairs of the Hereafter (آخِرَةِ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such a pursuit is a deception of the self (نَّفسِ). The self, or the ego, is prone to being deceived by the allure and temptations of this world. It may lead one to believe that they can have the best of both worlds, enjoying the pleasures and benefits of this life while also securing their place in the Hereafter. However, this is a fallacy and a trick of the ego.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200:

فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

So, among the people 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 desire of some individuals to seek goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. However, the subsequent verses make it clear that the true believers are those who prioritize the Hereafter over this worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا ۚ وَاللَّهُ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ

For them, there will be a share [of reward] from what they have earned, and Allah is swift in account.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize the Hereafter will be rewarded for their efforts and deeds. It is important to note that seeking goodness in this world is not condemned in Islam. However, when the pursuit of worldly gains becomes the primary focus, overshadowing the importance of the Hereafter, it becomes a deception of the self.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that our ultimate goal should be the Hereafter. We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and material possessions of this world. Our actions and intentions should be driven by the desire to attain success in the Hereafter, seeking the pleasure and nearness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. His profound understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character serve as an inspiration for Muslims of all generations. He prioritized the Hereafter in every aspect of his life, demonstrating the importance of seeking eternal rewards over temporary gains.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us against the deception of the self in seeking to combine the affairs of this world with the Hereafter. We are reminded to prioritize the Hereafter and not be swayed by the temporary attractions of this worldly life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to seek His pleasure and success in the Hereafter.