Hadith #1115

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

I wonder at the one who has no control over his death, how can he lengthen his hopes?

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing the limited nature of our lives and the need to prioritize our actions accordingly.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (I wonder) "عَجِبْتُ" expresses the astonishment of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) towards those who fail to realize the uncertainty of their lifespan. (has no control) "لا يَمْلِكُ" refers to the lack of authority or power over one's death. (his death) "أجَلَهُ" signifies the appointed time of death for every individual. Finally, (lengthen) "يُطيلُ" denotes the act of extending or prolonging.

To comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

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

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the ultimate return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should not become complacent in our pursuit of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 99, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret of those who wish for more time after death has approached them. It emphasizes the futility of such desires, as the opportunity for righteous actions ceases with death.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of our lives and to prioritize our actions accordingly. We must not be deceived by false hopes or become engrossed in worldly pursuits that distract us from our ultimate purpose. Instead, we should strive to make the most of the time we have been granted, focusing on acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also serve as a motivation for Muslims to engage in self-reflection. We should constantly evaluate our priorities and ensure that our actions align with the teachings of Islam. By recognizing the limited nature of our existence, we can cultivate a sense of urgency in our pursuit of righteousness and strive to leave a positive impact on the world.

The consequences of neglecting this wisdom are grave. Those who fail to acknowledge the brevity of life may become entrapped in materialistic pursuits, neglecting their spiritual growth and the development of their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They may become consumed by worldly desires, losing sight of the true purpose of their existence. Such individuals risk wasting their precious time and missing out on the opportunity to earn rewards in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to recognize the limited nature of our lives and to prioritize our actions accordingly. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of our existence and to strive for righteousness, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity. By doing so, we can make the most of the time we have been granted and leave a positive impact on the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His will.