Hadith #555

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,

مَنْ أيْقَنَ بِالآخِرَةِ لَمْ يَحْرِصْ علَى الدُّنيا۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having certainty and belief in the Hereafter, as it leads to detachment from the worldly desires and pursuits.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (aiqana) "أيْقَنَ" means to have certainty or firm belief. It signifies a level of conviction that goes beyond mere belief or assumption. It implies a deep-rooted faith in the existence and reality of the Hereafter. This certainty is not based on blind faith, but rather on knowledge and understanding derived from the teachings of Islam.

The term (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. It encompasses the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire. Belief in the Hereafter is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and is mentioned extensively in the Quran.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that while we should strive for success in this world, our ultimate focus should be on the Hereafter. The pursuit of worldly desires should not overshadow our commitment to preparing for the eternal life.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us 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.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the reality of death. It emphasizes that the true reward and fulfillment of our desires will be granted in the Hereafter. Therefore, those who are certain about the Hereafter will not be consumed by the allurements of this worldly life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and focus on the eternal life. It encourages us to detach ourselves from excessive attachment to material possessions, wealth, and worldly ambitions. Instead, we should invest our time and efforts in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and performing good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quranic teachings allowed him to provide profound insights into the essence of faith and the importance of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of having certainty in the Hereafter. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and not be consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world. By focusing on the eternal life, we can attain true success and fulfillment in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to live our lives in accordance with this profound Hadith.