Hadith #577

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, "لاتَجتَمِعُ الفَناءُ والبَقاءُ۔" This can be translated as,

The perishing and the permanent do not go together.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates a deep spiritual truth that is rooted in the teachings of the Quran.

The word (fana) "فَناءُ" in the Hadith refers to perishing, annihilation, or passing away. It signifies the transient nature of worldly existence and the ephemeral nature of everything in this material realm. On the other hand, the word (baqaa) "بَقاءُ" refers to permanence, eternity, and everlastingness. It represents the eternal existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the everlasting life in the hereafter.

This Hadith reminds us that the temporary and the eternal cannot coexist. The material world, with all its attractions and pleasures, is fleeting and will eventually perish. It is a reminder that our attachment to worldly possessions, desires, and ambitions should not overshadow our focus on the eternal life to come. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quranic verse:

(Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter, there is a severe torment, and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life and warns us not to be deceived by its attractions. The pleasures and possessions of this world may bring temporary joy and satisfaction, but they are ultimately transitory and will not accompany us in the afterlife.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is:

(Quran 16:96)

What is with you must vanish, and what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly reward those who were patient with their due reward according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights the contrast between the perishable nature of worldly possessions and the everlasting rewards that await those who remain steadfast and patient in their faith. It reminds us that our focus should be on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal life in the hereafter, rather than being attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the eternal over the temporary. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and instead focus on building a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life in the hereafter.

By recognizing the impermanence of worldly possessions and desires, we can cultivate a mindset that values the eternal and seeks to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This understanding can motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for spiritual growth. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to attain the eternal bliss of the hereafter, where the perishing and the permanent are forever separated.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the ability to apply them in our lives. May He guide us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and grant us success in both worlds.