Hadith #537

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

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

إنّكَ إنْ عَمِلْتَ لِلآخِرَةِ فازَ قِدْحُكَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

If you work for the Hereafter, your arrow hits the mark.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (innaka) "إنّكَ" means "indeed, you" and emphasizes the importance of the following statement. (amalta) "عَمِلْتَ" is derived from the root word (amal) "عمل", which means "to work" or "to act." (lil-akhirah) "لِلآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. (faza) "فازَ" means "to succeed" or "to achieve." Finally, (qidhuka) "قِدْحُكَ" refers to the arrow hitting the mark, symbolizing success and precision.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of working for both the worldly life and the Hereafter. It is a balanced approach that seeks success in this life and the eternal life to come.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that while worldly possessions and relationships may bring temporary joy and adornment to our lives, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. It encourages us to focus on deeds that will bring us success and fulfillment in the eternal life. Just as an arrow hitting the mark signifies precision and accuracy, working for the Hereafter ensures that our efforts are directed towards the ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure and eternal bliss.

When we work for the Hereafter, our actions become infused with sincerity and righteousness. Our intentions are purified, and we strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. This mindset transforms our mundane tasks into acts of worship, and our worldly pursuits become a means to attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, working for the Hereafter brings about a profound change in our character and behavior. It instills in us a sense of accountability and responsibility, guiding us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. We become conscious of the consequences of our actions and strive to live a life of righteousness and piety.

By prioritizing the Hereafter, we also gain a sense of perspective and detachment from the transient nature of this world. We are less likely to be swayed by materialistic pursuits and more focused on the eternal rewards that await us. This mindset allows us to navigate the challenges and trials of life with patience and resilience, knowing that our ultimate success lies in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of working for the Hereafter. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards attaining success in the eternal life. By aligning our efforts with the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's pleasure, we can ensure that our arrow hits the mark and that our actions are rewarded in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to work for the Hereafter and attain eternal success.