Hadith #568

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ لَمْ يَعْمَلْ لِلآخِرَةِ لَمْ يَنَلْ أمَلَهُ۔

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of working for the Hereafter in order to attain one's hopes and aspirations.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ya'mal) "يَعْمَلْ" means to work or to act. It implies engaging in righteous deeds and striving towards the betterment of one's soul. The term (lil-akhirah) "لِلآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. It encompasses the rewards and consequences of our actions in this world.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of working for the Hereafter and the consequences of neglecting it. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 17:19)

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.

This verse highlights that those who strive for the Hereafter with sincerity and faith will have their efforts acknowledged and rewarded by Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah states, (Quran 4:57)

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever.

These verses emphasize the importance of combining faith with righteous actions. Merely hoping for the rewards of the Hereafter without actively working towards it is not sufficient. True success lies in the balance between belief and action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. It highlights the importance of aligning our goals and aspirations with the eternal life that awaits us. By working for the Hereafter, we invest in our spiritual growth and secure our hopes and desires in the everlasting realm.

Neglecting the Hereafter, on the other hand, leads to disappointment and unfulfilled aspirations. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah warns, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life.

This verse emphasizes that those who neglect the remembrance of Allah and fail to work for the Hereafter will experience a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction in their lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively engage in righteous deeds and constantly strive for spiritual growth. It reminds us that our actions in this world have a direct impact on our eternal life. By working for the Hereafter, we not only secure our hopes and aspirations but also attain the pleasure and closeness of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our goals and aspirations with the eternal life that awaits us. By actively working for the Hereafter, we invest in our spiritual growth, secure our hopes and desires, and attain the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to work diligently for the Hereafter and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.