Hadith #3901

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مانَقَصَ فِي الدُّنيا زادَ فِي الآخِرَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

That which [one] diminishes in this world, [he] increases in the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (that which [one] diminishes) "مانَقَصَ" and (increases) "زادَ".

The word "مانَقَصَ" refers to diminishing or reducing something in this worldly life. It implies sacrificing or giving up something for the sake of Allah and His pleasure. This could include wealth, time, desires, or any worldly attachment that may distract a person from their spiritual growth. It is a reminder to Muslims that by letting go of worldly possessions or desires, they are actually gaining something of greater value in the Hereafter.

To understand the concept of sacrificing in this world for the sake of the Hereafter, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah At-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend their wealth in the path of Allah, even if it means reducing their material possessions in this world. By doing so, they are increasing their rewards in the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (57:11)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the concept of giving to Allah what is rightfully His, whether it be wealth, time, or efforts. By doing so, Allah promises to multiply the rewards for the believers in the Hereafter.

Now let us explore the word (increases) "زادَ" in the context of the Hereafter. This word signifies the abundant rewards and blessings that await the believers in the Hereafter. It implies that whatever is given up or sacrificed in this world will be compensated for manifold in the Hereafter.

In Surah At-Talaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers, (65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

These verses emphasize that those who fear Allah and rely on Him will be provided for in ways they cannot even imagine. Their sacrifices in this world will be rewarded abundantly in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions. It encourages them to detach themselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By sacrificing worldly desires, wealth, and attachments, Muslims are investing in their spiritual growth and accumulating treasures in the Hereafter.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the Quranic teachings allowed him to articulate this timeless wisdom, guiding Muslims to make choices that will benefit them in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims that by diminishing their worldly pursuits and sacrificing for the sake of Allah, they are actually increasing their rewards in the Hereafter. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of sacrificing for the sake of Allah and the abundant rewards that await the believers in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and may He bless us with the ability to make choices that will benefit us in this world and the Hereafter.