Hadith #1116

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "غايةُ الأملِ اَلأجَلُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The end of hope is death.

To understand the connotation behind this statement, let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayah) "غايةُ" in Arabic refers to the ultimate or final destination, while (al-amal) "الأملِ" means hope. And (al-ajal) "اَلأجَلُ" signifies death or the appointed time. Thus, the Hadith implies that death is the ultimate destination that marks the end of all hopes and aspirations in this worldly life.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the inevitability of death. Allah says in Surah Al-An'am (6:32),

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah says,

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.

Reflecting on these verses, we understand that this worldly life is merely a temporary abode, filled with distractions and fleeting pleasures. Our true purpose lies in preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter. Death serves as a reminder of the limited time we have in this world to fulfill our obligations and seek the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the importance of recognizing the transitory nature of our hopes and dreams in this world. While it is natural to have aspirations and ambitions, we must always keep in mind that death is the ultimate reality that awaits us all. This realization should motivate us to prioritize our actions and focus on what truly matters in the sight of Allah.

When we understand that death is the end of all worldly hopes, it compels us to strive for righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah in every aspect of our lives. We are reminded to invest our time and energy in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of temporary worldly gains.

Imam Ali's enlightening saying serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon the purpose of their existence and the transient nature of this world. It urges us to constantly evaluate our priorities and align them with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes and aspirations are directed towards the eternal life in the Hereafter, where true success lies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The end of hope is death

reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our actions in light of the Hereafter. It encourages us to seek the pleasure of Allah and invest in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to live a life of purpose and righteousness, and may He grant us a good end.