Hadith #531

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The conditions in this world are based on convention whereas the conditions in the Hereafter are based on merit.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the transient nature of worldly affairs and the eternal consequences of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (conditions) "أحْوالُ" refers to the various states and circumstances that individuals experience in both this world and the Hereafter. It encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our existence. (this world) "الدُّنيا" refers to the temporal life we live on Earth, with all its trials, tribulations, and material pursuits. (convention) "الإتِّفاقَ" signifies the reliance on societal norms, agreements, and consensus to establish the rules and regulations that govern our worldly affairs. On the other hand, (the Hereafter) "الآخرةِ" refers to the eternal life that awaits us after death, where our actions in this world will determine our ultimate fate. (merit) "الاِسْتِحْقاقَ" denotes the concept of deserving or earning something based on one's actions, intentions, and righteousness.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly life and highlights the ultimate recompense that awaits us in the Hereafter. It reminds us that the true fulfillment and reward can only be attained in the eternal life to come. The conditions and circumstances of this world are merely temporary and illusory, often leading us astray from the path of righteousness.

In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of merit and deserving in the Hereafter:

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 highlights that worldly possessions and relationships are merely superficial adornments that hold no real value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). What truly matters are the enduring good deeds that we accumulate through our actions, intentions, and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These are the deeds that will determine our merit and reward in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the transient nature of worldly affairs and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and intentions based on merit and righteousness, rather than blindly following societal conventions. It reminds us that our ultimate success lies in earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through our deeds and devotion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the conditions in this world are based on convention, while the conditions in the Hereafter are based on merit. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly affairs and prioritize our actions and intentions based on earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we strive to live a life of righteousness and merit, seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.