Hadith #3660

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,

ما يُعطَي البَقاءُ مَنْ أحَبَّهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Perpetuity is not granted to [any] one who loves [and wishes for] it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (baqaa) "بَقَاءُ" in the Hadith refers to perpetuity or eternal life. It implies the desire for immortality or an everlasting existence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that such an eternal life is not granted to those who merely wish for it or love it.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:34),

We granted not to any man before you [O Muhammad] eternal life (بَقَاءً).

This verse emphasizes that eternal life is not something that can be attained by anyone, regardless of their desires or wishes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death (مَا تَسْعَىٰ).

This verse serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable reality that every individual must face. It is a natural part of the cycle of life ordained by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reflection on the transient nature of this worldly life. It reminds us that our focus should not be solely on the pursuit of eternal life in this world, but rather on preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his wisdom. He recognized that true success lies in striving for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His mercy and forgiveness. This is evident in Surah Al-Imran (3:145), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And no soul can ever die except by Allah's leave and at a term appointed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood that our ultimate goal should be to attain the eternal life promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the hereafter. This is emphasized in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:82), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. It is the promise of Allah, [which is] truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that eternal life in this world is not granted to those who merely desire it. It reminds us to focus on preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter, which can only be attained through sincere faith, righteous actions, and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His mercy and forgiveness.