What is the authenticity of the Hadith: "Work for your worldly life as if you live forever, and work for your afterlife as if you die tomorrow"?

The saying, "Work for your worldly life as if you live forever, and work for your Hereafter as if you die tomorrow," has not been authentically attributed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Al-Albani stated that it has "no original basis as a Prophetic Hadith (marfu')."

As for its meaning: The second part, "and work for your Hereafter as if you die tomorrow," is correct in meaning and calls for constant preparedness for the Hereafter and initiating good deeds.

As for the first part, "Work for your worldly life as if you live forever," it has two interpretations: 1. The acceptable interpretation: If understood as an invitation to take means, exert effort in acquiring sustenance, and cultivate the earth in a way that pleases Allah. Or, it can be understood as encouraging deliberation in worldly matters and not rushing into them as one would for the Hereafter, thus promoting asceticism (zuhd) regarding worldly life. 2. The rejected interpretation: If understood as an invitation to desire the worldly life, cling to it, and be eager for its pleasures. This does not align with the objectives of Islamic law, which calls to the Hereafter and considers worldly life a means to it.