Hadith #4591

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) is a profound reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, about the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (baqaa) "بَقَاء", which means "eternity" or "permanence." It refers to the everlasting life in the hereafter, where believers will be rewarded for their righteous deeds. This word emphasizes the ultimate goal of every Muslim, which is to attain eternal bliss in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second word is (fanaa) "فَنَاء", which means "transience" or "ephemerality." It signifies the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and possessions. This word reminds us that everything in this world is temporary and will eventually perish. It serves as a reminder that our attachment to worldly desires should not overshadow our pursuit of the eternal life.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

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 reminds us that death is inevitable for every soul, and the true reward for our actions will be given in the hereafter. The life of this world is merely an illusion, a temporary enjoyment that can distract us from the ultimate goal of attaining eternal bliss.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

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 highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships. While they may bring temporary pleasure and adornment to our lives, the true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform. These deeds are what will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the eternal life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly pleasures and focus on the pursuit of the eternal. By renouncing the temporary pleasures, we are reminded to prioritize our actions and intentions towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

This renunciation does not imply complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities or pleasures. Rather, it emphasizes the need for moderation and balance in our lives. We should not be consumed by the pursuit of material possessions or worldly desires, but rather use them as a means to attain the eternal life.

By prioritizing the eternal over the evanescent, we develop a mindset that is focused on the long-term consequences of our actions. This mindset motivates us to engage in acts of worship, charity, and kindness, knowing that they will have a lasting impact in the hereafter. It also helps us overcome the temporary setbacks and challenges of this world, as we understand that they are merely tests and trials on our journey towards eternal success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. By renouncing the transient and focusing on the everlasting, we align our actions and intentions with the ultimate goal of attaining Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) pleasure and securing our place in the eternal bliss of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on this path and grant us success in both worlds.