Hadith #3669

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

الدُّنْيا تَضُرُّ، اَلآخِرَةُ تَسُرُّ۔

This can be translated as,

This world harms, the Hereafter delights.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the transient nature of this worldly life and the eternal bliss of the Hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the temporal world, characterized by its fleeting nature and the trials and tribulations it presents. It is a place of tests and challenges, where one's faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are constantly put to the test. On the other hand, (al-akhirah) "اَلآخِرَةُ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. It is a realm of everlasting joy and reward for those who have lived a righteous life in this world.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the temporary nature of this world and its potential to distract us from our ultimate purpose. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it withers, and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are transient and will ultimately fade away.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 importance of focusing on the Hereafter, as it is the true and everlasting abode where our efforts in this world will be rewarded.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly desires and material possessions can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The allure of this world often leads people astray, causing them to prioritize temporary pleasures over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By recognizing the transient nature of this world and the everlasting bliss of the Hereafter, we are encouraged to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he possessed a deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to remain steadfast in our faith and to strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

This world harms, the Hereafter delights

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By recognizing the transient nature of this world and the eternal bliss of the Hereafter, we are motivated to live a righteous life and strive for the ultimate reward in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate the challenges of this world and attain success in the Hereafter.