Hadith #7619

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,

Busying oneself with that which will not accompany you after death is from the greatest weakness.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of prioritizing our actions and focusing on what truly matters in the eternal life to come.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ishtighal) "اِشْتِغَالُ" refers to occupying oneself or being engrossed in something. (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the soul. (bima) "بِمَا" means "with that which" and (la yas-habuha) "لا يَصْحَبُهَا" means

will not accompany it.

Finally, (ba'da) "بَعْدَ" means "after" and (al-mawt) "الْمَوْتِ" means "death."

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on righteous deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our pursuit of the eternal abode. It reminds us to prioritize our actions, ensuring that we do not neglect our duties in this world while also striving for the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that becoming preoccupied with worldly matters that hold no significance in the afterlife is a sign of weakness. It highlights the importance of focusing on actions that will benefit us in the eternal realm. Engaging in activities solely for the sake of worldly gains, without considering their impact on our spiritual growth, is a futile endeavor.

For instance, spending excessive time and effort in accumulating material possessions, pursuing worldly fame, or indulging in vain desires can divert our attention from the true purpose of our existence. These pursuits may provide temporary satisfaction, but they do not contribute to our spiritual growth or bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Instead, we should prioritize actions that align with the teachings of Islam and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, showing kindness and compassion towards others, and striving to establish justice are examples of actions that will accompany us beyond the confines of this worldly life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their actions and focus on what truly matters in the eternal life to come. It urges us to avoid becoming engrossed in worldly pursuits that hold no significance in the afterlife. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can ensure that our efforts are directed towards actions that will benefit us in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our actions and strive for success in both this world and the hereafter.