Hadith #1070

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,

كُلُّ امْرِء طالِبُ اُمْنِيَّتِهِ ومَطْلُوبُ مَنِيَّتِهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Every person is seeking his aspirations while [concurrently] being sought by his death.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (amr) "امْرِء" refers to every individual, regardless of their gender or background. It encompasses all human beings, emphasizing the universality of this statement. The word (talib) "طالِبُ" means someone who seeks or pursues something. In this context, it signifies the desires, ambitions, and goals that individuals strive for in their lives. On the other hand, the word (matlub) "مَطْلُوبُ" means something that is sought or desired. Here, it represents death, which is an inevitable reality that every person will face.

The Hadith highlights the dual nature of human existence. On one hand, we are constantly seeking and striving for our aspirations, whether they are related to our personal, professional, or spiritual lives. We have dreams, goals, and ambitions that drive us forward. This pursuit of our desires is a natural and inherent part of being human.

However, the Hadith also reminds us that while we are busy seeking our aspirations, death is simultaneously seeking us. Death is an undeniable reality that every soul will eventually face. It is a reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of this worldly life. It serves as a wake-up call, urging us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and the ultimate destination that awaits us.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

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

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the fact that every soul will experience it. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we must make the most of it by striving for righteousness and fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence, which is to be tested by Allah in our actions and deeds. It reminds us that our time in this world is a fleeting opportunity to prove ourselves and strive for excellence in our character and conduct.

Reflecting on the Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we realize the importance of balancing our aspirations and ambitions with the awareness of our mortality. While it is natural and necessary to have goals and dreams, we should not become so consumed by them that we forget the ultimate purpose of our existence. We must remember that death is a reality that can come at any moment, and we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims to prioritize our spiritual growth and prepare for the inevitable meeting with our Lord. It encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. It motivates us to strive for righteousness, fulfill our obligations, and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to balance our aspirations with the remembrance of death. May He guide us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and beneficial to humanity. And may He grant us a good ending, where we meet Him with hearts full of faith and deeds that are pleasing to Him.