Hadith #604

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,

May Allah have mercy on the person who takes from [his] life for [his] death, from the transitory for the everlasting and from the perishing for the permanent.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary world and focusing on actions that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word (hayah) "حَيوة" refers to life, while (mawt) "مَوْت" means death. (fana) "فَناء" signifies the transient nature of worldly existence, and (baqa) "بَقَاء" represents permanence. Lastly, (dhaahib) "ذَاهِب" refers to something that is perishing, while (daa'im) "دَائِم" denotes something that is everlasting.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 96:

Indeed, you will find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life.

This verse emphasizes the misguided desire of some individuals who prioritize worldly life over the eternal life and the consequences they will face as a result.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and actions. It reminds us that true success lies in investing our time, energy, and resources in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life. This does not mean completely neglecting our worldly responsibilities, but rather striking a balance and ensuring that our actions are aligned with the teachings of Islam.

For example, a person who spends their life accumulating wealth and material possessions without considering the impact of their actions on their spiritual well-being is prioritizing the transient over the everlasting. On the other hand, a person who dedicates their life to acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity is prioritizing the eternal over the temporary.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions. It urges us to make conscious choices that align with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By prioritizing the eternal life, we can strive for a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing the eternal life over the temporary world. It reminds us to reflect on our actions and ensure that they are in line with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can seek the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for success in both this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the right path and grant us His mercy.