Hadith #10110

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) emphasizes the importance of not leaving behind anything from this world, as it will be inherited by others after our departure. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) categorizes these inheritors into two types of people.

The first type is the person who uses the worldly possessions in obedience to Allah. This individual utilizes the resources and blessings of this world for acts of worship and righteousness. As a result, they attain felicity and success in the hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the fate of this person and the one who had previously possessed these worldly possessions but failed to utilize them for the sake of Allah. The former finds happiness and fulfillment, while the latter experiences misery and regret.

To support this exegesis, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking the blessings of this world with the intention of utilizing them for the sake of Allah and not becoming attached to worldly possessions.

The second type of inheritor mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the person who uses the worldly possessions in disobedience to Allah. This individual indulges in sinful acts and transgressions, utilizing the resources and blessings of this world for purposes that are contrary to the commandments of Allah. In this case, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that by leaving behind these possessions, we become enablers and helpers for those who engage in disobedience. This is a grave consequence that we should be mindful of.

To further illustrate this point, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's assistance in maintaining steadfastness and righteousness throughout our lives, so that we do not become helpers or enablers of those who engage in disobedience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by emphasizing that neither of these two types of people deserves to be preferred over oneself. This statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their own spiritual growth and well-being, rather than being overly concerned with the fate of others. Each individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for their choices in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they utilize the blessings and resources of this world. It highlights the importance of using these worldly possessions in obedience to Allah and avoiding becoming enablers of disobedience. By prioritizing our own spiritual growth and well-being, we can strive for success and felicity in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the best use of the blessings He has bestowed upon us.