Hadith #3559

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

This world is a prison for the believer, death is his gift, and Paradise is his [permanent] abode.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the word "dunya" which is translated as "world" in the Hadith. The term "dunya" originates from the Arabic word "daniya" which means "low" or "base." It refers to the materialistic and transient aspects of this worldly life. The Hadith describes the world as a "sijn" for the believer, meaning a prison. This metaphorical description highlights the restrictive nature of worldly attachments and desires, which can hinder one's spiritual growth and distance them from the path of righteousness.

The Quran supports this notion by reminding us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that death is a gift for the believer. This may seem paradoxical at first, as death is often associated with sorrow and loss. However, from a spiritual perspective, death is a means of liberation from the constraints and trials of this worldly life. It is the gateway to the eternal abode, where believers will be rewarded for their faith and righteous deeds.

The Quran emphasizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

Lastly, the Hadith mentions that Paradise is the permanent abode of the believer. Paradise is the ultimate reward for those who strive in the path of righteousness and adhere to the teachings of Islam. It is a place of eternal bliss, where believers will be granted unimaginable blessings and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous descriptions of Paradise, highlighting its beauty, tranquility, and everlasting nature. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:136),

Those are the ones who have exchanged the life of this world for the Hereafter, so the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be aided.

And in Surah Al-Zumar (39:73), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who feared their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, 'Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein,' [they will enter].

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that this worldly life is temporary and filled with trials. It urges believers to detach themselves from worldly attachments and focus on the eternal life to come. Death is not to be feared, but rather embraced as a means of liberation and a gateway to the everlasting bliss of Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to prioritize our spiritual journey and strive for the eternal abode of Paradise.