Hadith #3608

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 of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he warns us about the consequences of prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this worldly life over the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (ba'a) "باعَ" in Arabic means to sell or trade. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) metaphorically uses this term to emphasize the act of giving up or sacrificing the (Jannah al-Ma'wa) "جَنَّةَ المَأوى", which refers to the everlasting abode in Paradise. This phrase highlights the immense value and significance of the eternal life in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the eternal abode of Paradise with the transient nature of this worldly life, referring to it as (Ajilatid-Dunya) "عاجِلَةِ الدُّنيا". This phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and possessions, which are temporary and will eventually come to an end.

The consequences of prioritizing the temporary pleasures of this world over the eternal rewards of the hereafter are described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as follows: (Ta'isa jidduhu wakhasirat safqatuhu)

تَعِسَ جِدُّهُ وخَسِرَتْ صَفْقَتُهُ

The word (Ta'isa) "تَعِسَ" means to be wretched or miserable, while (Khasirat) "خَسِرَتْ" means to incur loss or deprivation. This vividly portrays the regret and loss that one will experience as a result of prioritizing worldly gains over the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the importance of seeking the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and emphasizes the superiority of good deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the true and lasting rewards are with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), urging us to reflect and prioritize the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary attractions of this worldly life. It highlights the importance of investing our efforts and resources in actions that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in Paradise.

By prioritizing the hereafter, we ensure that our efforts are not in vain and that our transactions with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are profitable. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for righteousness, knowing that these are the true investments that will yield eternal rewards.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to prioritize the eternal rewards of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. May we strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the everlasting abode in Paradise. Ameen.