Hadith #1150

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully expresses the qualities of a person whom Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows His mercy upon. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (shortens his hopes) "قَصَّرَ الأمَلَ". Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the virtue of having realistic expectations and not becoming overly attached to worldly desires. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (18:46)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring

The second important word is (anticipates death) "بادَرَ الأجَلَ". This phrase reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (3:185)

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?

The third important word is (makes good use of his time) "اغْتَنَمَ المَهَلَ". This phrase emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in righteous deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience

The final important word is (takes with him the provisions of [good] deeds) "تَزَوَّدَ مِنَ العَملِ". This phrase highlights the significance of accumulating good deeds and virtues throughout our lives. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (3:17)

But the patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of a truly successful and blessed individual. By shortening our hopes, anticipating death, making good use of our time, and accumulating good deeds, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and increase our chances of attaining Allah's mercy.

By shortening our hopes, we free ourselves from the shackles of worldly attachments and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By anticipating death, we are reminded of the temporary nature of this life and the urgency to prepare for the inevitable meeting with our Creator. By making good use of our time, we prioritize our actions and invest in deeds that will benefit us in this life and the next. And finally, by accumulating good deeds, we ensure that we have provisions to carry with us into the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection, self-discipline, and striving for excellence in our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain His mercy by shortening our hopes, anticipating death, making good use of our time, and accumulating good deeds.