Hadith #600

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying.

The key words in this Hadith are (from what will not last for you) "مِمَّا لايَبْقى لَكَ" and (what you will not last for) "لا تَبْقى لَهُ". These words highlight the transient nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to take from what will not remain with us, meaning the material possessions that we accumulate in this world, and to not become attached to them. Similarly, he advises us to not last for what will not remain with us, meaning not to prioritize worldly desires and pursuits over our ultimate purpose in life.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life and its adornment, and that which is with Allah is better and more lasting.

This verse highlights the superiority of the everlasting rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter compared to the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our actions and intentions in accordance with the teachings of the Quran. We should not become attached to the material possessions and desires of this world, as they are transient and will eventually fade away. Instead, we should focus on investing in our Hereafter, which will bring us eternal rewards and blessings.

By adhering to this guidance, we can free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and worldly attachments. We can cultivate a mindset that is focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter. This mindset will motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for moral excellence, as these are the deeds that will accompany us beyond this worldly life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world. By following this advice, we can align our actions and intentions with the teachings of the Quran, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this guidance in our lives.