One of the loftiest maxims and admonitions in the Noble Quran is demonstrating the priority of the Hereafter and the great outcome for those who prepared for it. Allah, may He be Exalted, said:
{وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ} [الأعلى:17]
(Interpretation of the meaning):
“Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” [Al-Alaa:17]
Commenting on this Verse, Shiekh Al-Saady, May Allah have mercy on him says: “The Hereafter is better than the life of this world in each desired description and it is more lasting because it is a home of eternity, immortality, and happiness; and the life of this world is a home of extinction. The wise believer does not prefer the worst to the best, and he does not exchange the pleasure of one hour for an eternal grief. The love of the life of the this world and preferring it to the Hereafter is leading to each and every sin. (As-Saadi Interpretation of the Holy Quran).
In the Sunnah of the Prophet, there is a sweet source to sip from, and a noble example to learn the value of the Hereafter and seeking it. The Mother of the Believers, Aisha , May Allah be pleased with her, narrated that “Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had slaughtered a sheep and distributed major portions of its meat. Then he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) asked, “Is there anything left?” She replied, “Nothing, except the shoulder.” Thereupon he said, “All of it is left except its shoulder.” [At-Tirmiza, Book 1, Hadith 557] and authenticated by Al-Albany.
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أنهم ذبحوا شاة، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : «“ما بقى منها؟” قالت: ما بقى منها إلا كتفها، قال: “بقى كلها غير كتفها”» (رواه الترمذى وقال: حديث صحيح).
What a beautiful prophetic expression that states this fact that are recognized by the faithful and are sought by the believers in order to attain the reward, obtain the recompense, and prepare for the Day of Judgment. Let us hasten to make good deeds and devote our money, time and resources to this great appointment when all mankind will stand before the Lord of the mankind, jinns and all that exists. We should know certainly that the Hereafter is Better and More lasting.
We supplicate Allah, the King, the Holy to grant us wisdom and good deeds. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon the best of all creatures, our Master Muhammad, his Family and all of his Companions and pious followers until the Day of Judgment!