Hadith #497

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,

إذا حَضَرَتِ الآجالُ افتَضَحَتِ الآمالُ۔

This can be translated as,

When death comes, hopes are exposed.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (ajal) "آجالُ" refers to the appointed time or the predetermined period that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for each individual. It signifies the moment when our time in this world comes to an end. The word (amal) "آمالُ" refers to hopes, aspirations, or expectations that individuals hold during their lives.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

This verse reminds us of the certainty of death and the fact that every soul will inevitably face it. Death is an undeniable reality that awaits each and every one of us, regardless of our hopes, dreams, or aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret that some individuals may experience when they face death and realize that they have not fulfilled their aspirations or lived up to their potential in terms of righteousness and good deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life. It urges us to prioritize our actions and intentions, knowing that our time in this world is limited. When death approaches, our hopes, dreams, and aspirations will be exposed for what they truly are. If we have spent our lives chasing worldly desires and neglecting our spiritual growth, we may find ourselves filled with regret and disappointment.

On the other hand, if we have dedicated our lives to seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness, our hopes will be fulfilled in the eternal life to come. The true measure of success lies not in the fulfillment of worldly aspirations, but in the attainment of nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to reflect upon their priorities and strive for righteousness in every aspect of their lives. It reminds us to align our hopes and aspirations with the teachings of Islam, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes are not in vain but rather lead us to eternal success and fulfillment in the presence of our Creator.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith,

When death comes, hopes are exposed,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life and prioritize their actions and intentions accordingly. It urges us to seek righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else, knowing that our true hopes and aspirations lie in the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His will and the teachings of His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny.