Hadith #549

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

One who works for the Hereafter will be triumphant.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" in the Hadith means to be triumphant, successful, or victorious. It signifies achieving a great victory or attaining a high level of success. The word (saddad) "سَدَادِ" means righteousness, sincerity, and steadfastness. It refers to the state of being upright, firm, and consistent in one's actions and intentions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This Quranic verse emphasizes the importance of faith, righteous deeds, and mutual advice in the pursuit of success. It highlights that without these essential elements, humanity is in a state of loss. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements this Quranic message by emphasizing the significance of working for the Hereafter.

Working for the Hereafter entails prioritizing actions and intentions that are aimed at seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining eternal success. It involves engaging in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, with sincerity and devotion. It also encompasses embodying the moral and ethical teachings of Islam in our daily lives.

When one dedicates their efforts towards the Hereafter, they are investing in a realm that transcends the temporary and fleeting nature of this world. They are focused on the eternal consequences of their actions, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our priorities and actions with the pursuit of the Hereafter. It encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. By doing so, we are motivated to make choices and decisions that will lead us to success and triumph in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we prioritize the Hereafter, our actions become a means of attaining righteousness and steadfastness. We become steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our religious obligations, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. Our sincerity and devotion in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) become the guiding principles in our lives.

The consequences of working for the Hereafter are profound. Not only does it bring about success and triumph in the Hereafter, but it also has a positive impact on our lives in this world. When we prioritize the Hereafter, we develop a strong moral compass, which guides us in making ethical choices and treating others with kindness and compassion. It brings about inner peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose in our lives.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of striving for the Hereafter and making it our ultimate goal. By aligning our actions and intentions with the pursuit of eternal success, we can attain righteousness, steadfastness, and triumph in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to work for the Hereafter and attain success in both worlds.