Hadith #9272

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) highlights the contrasting perspectives and ultimate fate of a disbeliever in this world and the hereafter. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying .

The first word of significance in this Hadith is (kafir) "كافِرُ", which refers to a disbeliever or one who rejects the truth of Islam. The term (dunya) "دُّنيا" is used to describe the world, which is often associated with material possessions, desires, and worldly pleasures. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that for the disbeliever, this world becomes his Paradise, meaning that he finds his ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in the pursuit of worldly pleasures and material gains.

To support this understanding, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the mindset of those who prefer the worldly life over the hereafter:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

The Hadith further states that the disbeliever's focus is solely on the transient, or the immediate and temporary aspects of life. This implies that their aspirations, desires, and efforts are solely directed towards the material world, neglecting the eternal life of the hereafter. They prioritize worldly achievements, fame, and wealth, without considering the consequences of their actions or the accountability they will face in the afterlife.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns those who are engrossed in the pursuit of worldly gains:

But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer - it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].

The Hadith then highlights the wretchedness of the disbeliever in the face of death. Death, which is inevitable for every living being, is portrayed as the cause of their misery and despair. This is because the disbeliever has spent their entire life chasing worldly pleasures and neglecting the spiritual aspect of their existence. When faced with the reality of death, they realize that all their worldly achievements and possessions hold no value in the grand scheme of things.

In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the regret of the disbelievers at the time of their death:

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

Finally, the Hadith concludes by stating that the ultimate end for the disbeliever is the hellfire. This serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that await those who reject the truth and persist in their disbelief. Hellfire is described as the final destination for those who have turned away from the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and have chosen to follow their own desires and whims.

In Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns of the consequences of disbelief:

Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. It highlights the misguided priorities of the disbeliever, their wretchedness in the face of death, and the severe consequences that await them in the afterlife. As Muslims, we should strive to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and focus on building our eternal abode in the hereafter, rather than being captivated by the temporary allurements of this worldly life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in both this world and the hereafter.