Hadith #489

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: "لِكُلِّ أجَل كِتابٌ۔" which translates to

There is a prescribed duration for every term [of life].

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of destiny and the predetermined nature of the duration of life for every individual.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (ajal) "أجَل" refers to a fixed or appointed time, while (kitab) "كِتابٌ" means a written decree or a record. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is conveying that every person's lifespan has been predetermined and recorded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This concept of a predetermined lifespan is supported by various verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time comes, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].

This verse emphasizes that every nation, including individuals within those nations, has a predetermined lifespan that cannot be altered.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.

This verse highlights the concept of everything being recorded and predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), including the duration of one's life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to recognize the limited time they have in this world. It encourages us to reflect upon the brevity of life and the importance of utilizing our time wisely in the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also reminds us of the transient nature of worldly affairs and the inevitability of death. It serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and make the most of the time they have been granted. It encourages us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for personal and spiritual growth.

Moreover, this Hadith prompts us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. Since our time in this world is limited, it is crucial to consider the impact of our choices and actions on our eternal life. It urges us to be mindful of our deeds and strive for righteousness, as our actions in this temporary life will have everlasting consequences in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the predetermined nature of the duration of life for every individual. It reminds Muslims to reflect upon the brevity of life, prioritize their actions, and strive for righteousness. It serves as a motivation to make the most of the limited time we have been granted and to consider the consequences of our actions in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to utilize our time wisely and guide us to the path of righteousness.