Hadith #3564

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, describes the world as a "present offering" or a passing show. This phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and pleasures.

The word (present offering) "عَرَضٌ" refers to something that is temporary, fleeting, and passing. It signifies that the world is not a permanent abode but rather a temporary stage where individuals come and go. It is a place where both the virtuous and the wicked partake in its offerings. The word (partake) "حاضِرٌ" implies that everyone, regardless of their moral standing, has access to the worldly blessings and experiences.

To further understand the concept presented in this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45):

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse beautifully illustrates the temporary nature of this world. Just as rain brings life to the earth, nourishing it and causing vegetation to flourish, the world offers temporary pleasures and blessings. However, these blessings are transient, like the vegetation that eventually withers away and is scattered by the winds. Similarly, the worldly possessions and experiences that we cherish and strive for will eventually fade away, leaving us with nothing but memories.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the ephemeral nature of this world with the Hereafter, which he describes as the "Abode of Truth." The word (abode) "دارُ" signifies a permanent dwelling place, a place of eternal existence. The Hereafter is not subject to the passing of time or the limitations of this world. It is a realm where the true reality is unveiled, and the consequences of our actions in this world are fully realized.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that the Hereafter is governed by a wise and powerful king. This king is none other than Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the All-Knowing and All-Powerful. In the Hereafter, justice will prevail, and every individual will be held accountable for their actions. This concept is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:47):

We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as Reckoners.

The consequences of our actions in this world will be fully realized in the Hereafter, where justice will be served. The virtuous will be rewarded, and the wicked will face the consequences of their deeds. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions in this world, knowing that the true abode of everlasting happiness and justice lies in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. It reminds us that the worldly possessions and pleasures we strive for are temporary, while the Hereafter is the realm of truth and justice. As Muslims, we should strive to prioritize our actions and intentions in this world, knowing that our ultimate destination lies in the Hereafter, where we will be held accountable for our deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of righteousness and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.