Hadith #488

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفى بِالأجَلِ حارِساً۔" This can be translated as,

The appointed time of death is sufficient as a guard.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitability and certainty of death. He reminds us that the time of our departure from this world is predetermined and that it serves as a vigilant guardian over our lives.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:2),

It is He who created you from clay and then decreed a term and a specified time [known] to Him; then [still] you are in dispute.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Creator of all beings and He has determined a fixed term for each individual. Our lives are not random or haphazard; rather, they are part of a divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And the life of this world is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

This verse reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, filled with distractions and trials. It is a test for us to fulfill our duties and obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder of the transitory nature of this world. It urges us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to prioritize our actions accordingly. When we internalize the reality of death, it becomes a constant reminder to live a life of righteousness and to strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also highlights the importance of time management and making the most of the limited time we have in this world. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to utilize our time in pursuits that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as a guard protects and watches over something valuable, the appointed time of death should remind us to guard our actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the importance of utilizing time for the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth. He was a scholar and a teacher, constantly seeking to deepen his understanding of the Quran and imparting his knowledge to others. His life serves as a testament to the value of utilizing time wisely and investing it in actions that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the certainty of death and the need to prioritize our actions in this temporary world. It urges us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and to utilize our time wisely. By recognizing the appointed time of death as a guard, we are motivated to live a life of righteousness and to strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the enlightening message of this Hadith and the ability to implement it in our lives.