Hadith #536

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

إنّك مَخْلُوقٌ لِلآخِرَةِ فَاعْمَل لَها۔

This can be translated as,

Verily you have been created for the Hereafter, so work for it!

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the purpose of our existence and the importance of preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

To understand the depth of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, let us delve into the meanings of some key terms. The word (makhluq) "مَخْلُوقٌ" refers to being created or brought into existence. It highlights the fact that we are not self-existent beings, but rather, we have been created by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for a specific purpose. The term (lil-akhirah) "لِلآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. It encompasses the concept of the afterlife, where our actions in this world will be accounted for and rewarded or punished accordingly. And finally, the phrase (fa'amal laha) "فَاعْمَل لَها۔" translates to

so work for it!

It emphasizes the need for active engagement and effort in preparing for the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, while the Hereafter is the true and everlasting abode. It urges us to prioritize our actions and efforts towards the Hereafter, as it holds the ultimate reward and eternal bliss.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where 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 transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships, emphasizing that true value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform. It encourages us to invest our time, energy, and resources in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter, rather than being solely preoccupied with the material aspects of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly reflect upon the purpose of their existence. It urges us to align our actions and intentions with the ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. By recognizing that we have been created for the Hereafter, we are motivated to engage in righteous deeds, seek knowledge, and strive for spiritual growth. This Hadith encourages us to live a life of purpose, constantly seeking opportunities to serve Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill our responsibilities towards our fellow human beings.

The consequences of neglecting the Hereafter are severe, as mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:36-40), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Does man think that he will be left neglected? Was he not a sperm-drop emitted? Then he was a clinging clot, and [Allah] created [his form] and proportioned [him], and made of him two mates, the male and the female. Is not that [Creator] able to give life to the dead?

These verses remind us of our humble beginnings and the power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to bring us back to life after death. They serve as a reminder of the accountability we will face in the Hereafter and the importance of working towards it.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the purpose of our existence and the need to prioritize our actions for the Hereafter. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life and invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come. By aligning our intentions and actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to live a life of purpose, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the ultimate reward in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to work diligently for the Hereafter.