Hadith #4866

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

اِسْعَوْا في فِكاكِ رِقابِكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُغْلَقَ رَهائِنُها۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Strive to free your necks [from the shackles of this world] before the doors of ransom are shut.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (fikak) "فِكاكِ" refers to the act of freeing or releasing oneself from bondage or captivity. In this context, it symbolizes freeing oneself from the chains of worldly desires, materialism, and attachment to this temporary life. The word (riqabikum) "رِقابِكُمْ" means "your necks," which metaphorically represents our souls or inner selves.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to strive and make efforts to liberate ourselves from the shackles of this world before it is too late. The phrase (qabla an tughlaqa rahainuha)

قَبْلَ أنْ تُغْلَقَ رَهائِنُها

emphasizes the urgency of this task. It means

before the doors of ransom are shut.

Here, the doors of ransom symbolize the opportunities for redemption and salvation that are available to us in this life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that we should not delay in seeking spiritual liberation and striving for righteousness. We must seize the present moment and take advantage of the opportunities for growth and self-improvement before it is too late. Once the doors of redemption are closed, it will be difficult to escape the consequences of our actions and make amends for our shortcomings.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving for righteousness and seeking His forgiveness before it is too late. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:16), Allah says,

Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

These verses highlight the importance of striving for righteousness, humility, and justice in our interactions with others. They remind us that we should not delay in seeking forgiveness, rectifying our relationships, and striving for moral excellence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual growth. It encourages us to reflect on our actions, intentions, and attachments, and to make a conscious effort to free ourselves from the chains of worldly desires.

By striving to free our necks from the shackles of this world, we can attain spiritual liberation, inner peace, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We must seize the present moment, seek forgiveness, and strive for righteousness before the doors of redemption are closed.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom, strength, and determination to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for spiritual liberation. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.