Hadith #234

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The bitterness of this world is the sweetness of the next world while the sweetness of this world is the bitterness of the next one.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the stark contrast between the temporary pleasures of this worldly life and the everlasting bliss of the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "bitterness" in Arabic is (مَرَارَةُ) "mararat", which refers to the hardships, challenges, and difficulties that one may face in this worldly life. On the other hand, the word "sweetness" in Arabic is (حَلاَوَةُ) "halawah", which signifies the pleasures, joys, and comforts that one may experience in this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the bitterness of this world is the sweetness of the next world. This means that the hardships and trials we face in this life, the pain and suffering we endure, are actually a means of purification and a source of reward in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tests His servants in various ways, and it is through these tests that our faith is strengthened, our sins are expiated, and our ranks are elevated in the sight of Allah.

The Quran affirms this concept in multiple verses. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

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.

This verse reminds us that the difficulties we face in this world are a means of testing our patience and steadfastness. The reward for patiently enduring these trials is immense, as Allah promises glad tidings to those who remain patient.

Furthermore, the sweetness of this world is the bitterness of the next one, as stated by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This means that the pleasures and delights of this worldly life, such as wealth, power, and material possessions, are transient and fleeting. They may bring temporary happiness, but they ultimately lead to dissatisfaction, attachment, and a neglect of the eternal life to come.

The Quran warns us about the deceptive nature of worldly pleasures 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Reflecting on this verse, we realize that the pursuit of worldly pleasures can lead us astray from the true purpose of our existence. The temporary enjoyment we experience in this world will eventually fade away, leaving us with nothing but regret and remorse in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. It encourages us to embrace the hardships and challenges of this life, knowing that they are a means of spiritual growth and a path towards the everlasting bliss of the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the straight path.