Hadith #352

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the ultimate consequences of our actions in this world and the hereafter. He begins by stating,

That good is no good after which there is the Fire.

Here, the Imam emphasizes that any good deed or action that does not lead to salvation from the Fire of Hell is ultimately futile and meaningless. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for actions that will lead them to Paradise, the ultimate reward.

To further understand the significance of this statement, let us turn to the Quran. 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 ayah emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds and the guidance of truth and patience. It reminds Muslims that their actions in this world will determine their fate in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by stating,

and that hardship is no hardship after which there is Paradise.

Here, the Imam highlights the temporary nature of hardships and difficulties in this world. He reminds Muslims that any suffering or hardship they endure in the path of righteousness will be insignificant compared to the eternal bliss and reward of Paradise.

The Quran also provides support for this notion. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'

This ayah reminds Muslims that trials and tribulations are a part of life, but those who remain patient and steadfast will be rewarded with Paradise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

Every bliss other than Paradise is inferior and every calamity other than the Fire is comfort.

This statement emphasizes the incomparable nature of Paradise and the insignificance of any worldly pleasure or comfort in comparison. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for the eternal bliss of Paradise rather than being distracted by temporary worldly pleasures.

The Quran supports this concept in various verses. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:103-104)

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work'

This ayah highlights the delusion of those who prioritize worldly gains over the pursuit of Paradise. It reminds Muslims to focus on actions that will lead to eternal success rather than being deceived by temporary worldly achievements.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for the ultimate reward of Paradise. It emphasizes the insignificance of any good deed that does not lead to salvation from the Fire of Hell and the temporary nature of hardships in comparison to the eternal bliss of Paradise. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in order to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensures their success in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.