Hadith #414

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (free man) "حُرٌّ", (chewed morsel) "لُمَاظَةَ", (certainly, the only price for yourselves is Paradise)

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لاِنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إِلاَّ الْجَنَّةَ

and (therefore, do not sell yourself except for Paradise)

فَلاَ تَبِيعُوهَا إِلاَّ بِهَا

The term (free man) "حُرٌّ" refers to someone who possesses freedom of choice and is not enslaved by worldly desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is calling upon such individuals to leave the (chewed morsel) "لُمَاظَةَ" of this world to those who are attached to it. This metaphorical expression signifies the transient nature of worldly possessions and pleasures.

To emphasize the value of the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, (certainly, the only price for yourselves is Paradise)

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لاِنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إِلاَّ الْجَنَّةَ

Here, he reminds us that the true worth of our souls lies in attaining Paradise, and that everything else pales in comparison.

This impactful saying echoes the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the rewards of the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah warns against being deluded by the temporary attractions of this world, stating,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by advising us, (therefore, do not sell yourself except for Paradise)

فَلاَ تَبِيعُوهَا إِلاَّ بِهَا

This powerful statement urges us not to compromise our eternal salvation for the fleeting pleasures and material gains of this world. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to secure a place in Paradise, and we should be willing to sacrifice worldly desires to achieve it.

The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:111), where Allah promises immense rewards to those who strive in His cause, saying,

Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our actions and intentions. We should strive to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and focus on investing in our eternal life. By doing so, we can attain the ultimate reward of Paradise and secure our place in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. May He guide us to make choices that lead us closer to Paradise and protect us from the distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. Ameen.