Hadith #10018

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the inevitable journey of death. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be aware of the swift nature of our departure from this world and to make necessary preparations for the afterlife.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sur'ata) "سُرْعَةَ" refers to the quickness or swiftness of something. In this context, it signifies the rapidity with which our journey from this world to the next can occur. The word (rihlatihi) "رِحْلَتِهِ" means "his departure" or "his journey." It refers to the transition from the worldly life to the eternal life in the hereafter. Finally, the phrase (yuhsina ta'ahhuba li nuqlatihi) "يُحْسِنَ التَّأَهُّبَ لِنُقْلَتِهِ" translates to

to be well prepared for the move.

It emphasizes the need to make adequate preparations for the journey to the afterlife.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.

This verse reminds us that death is an inevitable reality and a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that we must strive to excel in our actions and preparations for the afterlife.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes the certainty of death for every individual and highlights the importance of preparing for the Day of Resurrection, where we will be held accountable for our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to reflect upon the swiftness of our departure from this world and to take the necessary steps to ensure that we are well-prepared for the journey to the afterlife. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we must prioritize our spiritual growth and strive to perform righteous deeds.

Being well-prepared for the move entails various aspects. It involves strengthening our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through regular prayer, seeking knowledge, and engaging in acts of worship. It also involves purifying our hearts from negative traits such as envy, greed, and arrogance, and cultivating virtues such as patience, gratitude, and compassion.

Moreover, being well-prepared for the journey requires us to fulfill our obligations towards others. This includes fulfilling our financial responsibilities, treating others with kindness and justice, and seeking forgiveness from those we may have wronged. By doing so, we strive to leave this world with a clean slate and a clear conscience.

The consequences of neglecting the preparation for the journey to the afterlife are grave. Failing to heed Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice may result in a state of unpreparedness, leading to regret and missed opportunities for spiritual growth. It may also lead to a lack of accountability for our actions and a missed chance to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be well-prepared for the journey from this world to the hereafter. It urges us to reflect upon the swiftness of our departure and to prioritize our spiritual growth and righteous deeds. By heeding this advice, we can strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure a successful transition to the eternal life in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be well-prepared for our ultimate journey.