Hadith #553

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

One who is certain about the Hereafter turns away from this world.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a strong belief in the Hereafter and how it should impact our relationship with this worldly life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aiqana) "أيْقَنَ" means to have certainty or conviction. It implies a firm belief that is based on knowledge and understanding. The word (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the life after death, and the eternal abode that awaits every individual. And finally, the word (dunya) "دُّنيا" refers to the temporal world, the life of this world that is transient and fleeting.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 200:

So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and seeking His blessings in this world, while also reminding us that our ultimate focus should be on the Hereafter.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes that the material possessions and worldly attachments are merely temporary adornments, while the good deeds that we perform in this world have everlasting value and are more pleasing to Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that a true believer, who is certain about the Hereafter, does not become excessively attached to the materialistic pursuits of this world. This does not mean that we should completely abandon our responsibilities or neglect the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Rather, it calls for a balanced approach, where we prioritize the eternal life over the temporary one.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. Despite his immense knowledge and wisdom, he lived a simple and humble life, detached from the luxuries of this world. His focus was on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the Hereafter. This mindset allowed him to make decisions and take actions that were guided by his deep understanding of the ultimate reality.

When we internalize the message of this Hadith, it transforms our perspective on life. We become less attached to worldly possessions, status, and desires, and instead, we strive to invest in our relationship with Allah and the Hereafter. This shift in mindset leads to a more content and purposeful life, as we prioritize the actions that will have everlasting consequences.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to have certainty in the Hereafter and to turn away from excessive attachment to the transient world. By focusing on our ultimate destination and prioritizing the actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter, we can lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.