Hadith #10351

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and the need to prioritize the Hereafter over worldly pursuits. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith.

The word (raqīban) "رَقِيْباً" in the Hadith refers to being a vigilant guardian or watchful observer over oneself. It implies the need for constant self-reflection, introspection, and self-discipline. It urges Muslims to be aware of their actions, thoughts, and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. This self-accountability is essential for spiritual growth and the attainment of righteousness.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the concept of self-accountability in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds Muslims to be conscious of their deeds and their consequences, for Allah is fully aware of everything we do.

Furthermore, the Hadith advises us to reserve a portion of our worldly possessions for the Hereafter. This means that while we engage in the affairs of this world, we should not forget our ultimate goal, which is the eternal life in the Hereafter. We should not become so engrossed in worldly pursuits that we neglect our spiritual obligations and the preparation for the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah narrates the story of the rich man and the poor man. The rich man, who was blessed with abundant wealth, became arrogant and forgot about the Hereafter. Allah says,

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 serves as a reminder that the worldly possessions we accumulate are temporary and will eventually fade away. Therefore, it is crucial to allocate a portion of our resources for the sake of our eternal life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences in the Hereafter. By being vigilant over ourselves and reserving a portion of our worldly possessions for the Hereafter, we can ensure that we are on the path of righteousness and striving for eternal success.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words and actions serve as a guiding light for Muslims, providing them with valuable insights and guidance in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be vigilant over themselves, constantly reflecting on their actions and intentions. It reminds us to prioritize the Hereafter over worldly pursuits and to allocate a portion of our resources for eternal success. By following this advice, we can strive for spiritual growth and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and grant us success in both worlds.