Hadith #3602

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the eternal pleasures of the Hereafter over the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (perishing pleasures) "لَذَّةً فانِيَةً" and (lasting pleasures) "لَذَّة باقِيَة". The word "لَذَّةً" refers to the transient and temporary nature of worldly pleasures. These pleasures may bring temporary satisfaction, but they are fleeting and will eventually perish. On the other hand, the phrase "لَذَّة باقِيَة" refers to the everlasting and eternal pleasures of the Hereafter. These are the pleasures that will endure and bring eternal bliss to the believers.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

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 temporary nature of worldly possessions and the superiority of enduring good deeds in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely.

This verse emphasizes that the pleasures of this world are merely temporary enjoyments, while the rewards and blessings from Allah are far superior and everlasting.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and instead focus on building a strong connection with Allah and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

By abandoning the perishing pleasures of this world, we are able to redirect our efforts towards acts of worship, charity, and seeking knowledge. These actions have lasting benefits and rewards that will continue to benefit us in the Hereafter. For example, spending our wealth in the way of Allah, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261:

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Moreover, prioritizing the lasting pleasures of the Hereafter motivates us to persevere in times of hardship and adversity. We are reminded in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse assures us that the difficulties we face in this world are temporary and that our patience and perseverance will be rewarded with eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the lasting pleasures of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. By abandoning the perishing pleasures, we can redirect our efforts towards acts of worship, charity, and seeking knowledge, which will bring us eternal rewards. This Hadith encourages us to detach ourselves from materialistic pursuits and focus on building a strong connection with Allah. May Allah guide us to prioritize the Hereafter and grant us the ability to abandon the transient pleasures of this world.