Hadith #71

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,

كُلُّ مَعْدُود مُنْقَض، وَكُلُّ مُتَوَقَّع آت۔

This beautiful saying can be translated as,

Every countable thing is to pass away and every expected thing must come about.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ma'dood) "مَعْدُود" refers to something that can be counted or measured. It encompasses all tangible and intangible things that have a limited existence in this world. The word (munqad) "مُنْقَض" means to pass away or come to an end. It signifies the transient nature of everything that is countable.

On the other hand, the word (mutawaqqa') "مُتَوَقَّع" refers to something that is expected or anticipated. It encompasses all future events and occurrences that are bound to happen. The word (aat) "آت" means to come about or to arrive. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of everything that is expected.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rahman (55:26-27),

All that is on earth will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

This verse highlights the impermanence of everything in this world. No matter how significant or grand, everything is destined to pass away.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.

This verse reminds us of the certainty of death and the transient nature of our existence. It emphasizes that every living being, including ourselves, will eventually pass away.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we realize the profound truth it conveys. It reminds us that everything in this world, whether tangible or intangible, will eventually come to an end. This includes our material possessions, our worldly desires, and even our own lives. Nothing is permanent or eternal in this realm.

At the same time, the Hadith reminds us that everything that is expected or anticipated will inevitably come about. This encompasses the fulfillment of our hopes and dreams, the consequences of our actions, and the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as the sun rises every morning and the seasons change, everything that is meant to happen will unfold according to Allah's plan.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims. It teaches us to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and to focus on the eternal realm of the Hereafter. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and intentions, knowing that our deeds will have consequences in this life and the next. It instills in us a sense of hope and trust in Allah's divine wisdom, knowing that everything that is meant to happen will come to pass.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the impermanence of everything in this world and the certainty of everything that is expected. It encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of our existence and to prioritize our actions accordingly. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand this profound truth and the strength to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.