Hadith #10402

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, to fulfill our obligations, and to prioritize the eternal over the transient. He also emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Day of Resurrection.

Let us delve deeper into the key words and concepts mentioned in this hadith. The first word is (hasiboo) "حاسِبُوا", which means to hold oneself accountable. It implies introspection and self-reflection, where one assesses their actions, intentions, and their alignment with the teachings of Islam. This self-accountability is a crucial aspect of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

The next word is (a'mal-iha) "أعْمالِها", which refers to our deeds and actions. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our worship, interactions with others, and the choices we make. The emphasis here is on taking responsibility for our own actions and not blaming others for our shortcomings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to seek the fulfillment of what is obligatory upon us, which refers to the performance of our religious duties. This includes acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and giving charity, as well as fulfilling our obligations towards our families, society, and the wider Muslim community. By fulfilling our obligations, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to attain His pleasure.

The phrase (wal-akhthi min fanaiha libaqaiha)

وَالأخْذِ مِنْ فَنائِها لِبَقائِها

highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal over the transient. It reminds us that the material possessions and worldly pleasures we acquire during our lifetime are temporary and will eventually perish. Therefore, we should utilize our resources and wealth in a way that benefits us in the hereafter, such as through acts of charity and supporting righteous causes.

To support this concept, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to gather provisions and make preparations before we are resurrected on the Day of Reckoning. This implies that we should strive to accumulate good deeds, knowledge, and spiritual growth in this world, as these will serve as provisions for the journey of the hereafter. Just as we prepare for worldly affairs, we should also prepare for the ultimate meeting with our Creator.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to hold themselves accountable for their actions, fulfill their obligations, prioritize the eternal over the transient, and prepare for the Day of Resurrection. By doing so, we can strive towards spiritual growth, attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and secure success in both this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives.