Hadith #603

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ذِكْرُ الآخِرَةِ دَواءٌ وشِفاءٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Remembrance of the Hereafter is a cure and a remedy.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran. The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرُ" refers to the act of remembering or mentioning something. In this context, it signifies the remembrance of the Hereafter, which encompasses reflecting upon the eternal life that awaits us after death. The word (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the life that follows our earthly existence. It is a realm of eternal consequences, where our deeds are weighed and rewarded or punished accordingly.

The Hadith highlights the therapeutic nature of remembering the Hereafter. It serves as a cure and a remedy for the ailments of the heart and soul. When we contemplate the transient nature of this worldly life and focus on the everlasting life to come, it brings about a profound shift in our perspective. It reminds us of our ultimate purpose and the need to prioritize our actions accordingly.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the idea that the remembrance of the Hereafter is indeed a cure and a remedy for the human soul. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 46:

Seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and prayer, both of which are acts of remembrance and submission to Allah. By remembering the Hereafter, we find solace and strength in facing the challenges of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse encourages us to seek the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. By remembering the Hereafter, we strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our ultimate destination.

The remembrance of the Hereafter has profound consequences on our actions and choices in this life. It serves as a constant reminder of accountability and the consequences of our deeds. When we internalize the reality of the Hereafter, it motivates us to strive for righteousness and to avoid sinful actions. It instills a sense of purpose and urgency in our pursuit of good deeds, as we understand that our actions in this world will determine our fate in the eternal realm.

For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty or injustice, the remembrance of the Hereafter reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions. This awareness acts as a deterrent and encourages us to choose the path of honesty and justice. Similarly, when we are faced with difficulties and hardships, the remembrance of the Hereafter provides solace and hope, knowing that our patience and perseverance will be rewarded in the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact that the remembrance of the Hereafter has on our hearts and souls. By reflecting upon the eternal consequences of our actions, we find healing and guidance in navigating the challenges of this world. The Quranic verses mentioned support this notion, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Hereafter in seeking solace, guidance, and motivation in our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to remember the Hereafter and to live our lives in accordance with its teachings.