Hadith #535

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reflect upon the path of those who came before us and to prioritize our efforts towards the Hereafter rather than being preoccupied with worldly pursuits.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sabeel) "سَبِيل" refers to the path or way of life that one follows. It encompasses the beliefs, actions, and values that shape an individual's journey in this world. The term (qablaka) "قَبْلَكَ" means those who came before us, referring to the previous generations and their experiences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to make our (jidda) "جِدَّ" or utmost efforts directed towards our (akhirah) "آخِرَة" or Hereafter. This implies that we should prioritize our actions and intentions towards attaining eternal success and salvation in the Hereafter. The word (akhirah) "آخِرَة" encompasses the concept of the afterlife, where our deeds and actions in this world will be accounted for.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us not to be overly concerned with the (amalid-dunya) "عَمَلِ الدُّنْيَا" or worldly gain. This refers to the materialistic pursuits and desires that often distract us from our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness. It does not mean that we should neglect our worldly responsibilities, but rather, we should not let them consume us to the extent that we neglect our spiritual obligations.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly gains. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 200, Allah says,

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

This verse reminds us that those who solely focus on worldly gains and neglect the Hereafter will not receive any reward in the afterlife.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah says,

Wealth and children are the 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 temporary nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes that the true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith serves as a reminder for us to reflect upon the lives of those who came before us. By studying their experiences and learning from their successes and failures, we can navigate our own journey in a more purposeful and righteous manner.

When we prioritize our efforts towards the Hereafter, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. This mindset allows us to transcend the temporary nature of worldly gains and focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

By not being overly concerned with worldly gain, we free ourselves from the distractions and temptations that can lead us astray. Instead, we channel our energy towards acts of worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, and striving for moral excellence. This shift in focus enables us to lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life, both in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize their efforts towards the Hereafter and not be consumed by worldly pursuits. By reflecting upon the path of those who came before us and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can lead a more purposeful and righteous life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow this advice and attain success in both worlds.