Hadith #8159

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a enlightening Hadith that highlights the astonishing state of those who remain heedless and negligent, despite the fact that death is constantly and swiftly approaching them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it contains. The word (I am amazed) "عَجِبْتُ" expresses Imam Ali's astonishment and wonderment at the state of those who are negligent. It signifies his disbelief and surprise at the lack of awareness and consciousness exhibited by such individuals.

The word (negligent) "غافِل" refers to someone who is heedless, unaware, or inattentive. This negligence can manifest in various aspects of life, such as neglecting one's duties towards Allah, neglecting the remembrance of Allah, or neglecting the preparation for the inevitable meeting with death.

The phrase (while death is swift in seeking him)

وَالمَوْتُ حَثيثٌ في طَلَبِهِ

emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of death. The word (swift) "حَثيثٌ" indicates the rapidity and speed with which death approaches, leaving no time for delay or procrastination.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance and support. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

(Quran 29:57)

Every soul shall taste death. Then unto Us you shall be returned.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inevitable reality that every soul will experience. It emphasizes the certainty of death and the ultimate return to Allah. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to be mindful of the fleeting nature of life and to prepare for the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 67:2)

[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose of life and death as a test from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time in this world wisely and striving to excel in righteous deeds. Negligence and heedlessness in the face of death contradict the purpose of our existence and hinder our progress towards attaining the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their own lives and evaluate their level of consciousness and preparedness for death. It urges us to be vigilant and proactive in our pursuit of righteousness, knowing that death can come upon us at any moment.

The consequences of negligence and heedlessness are severe. If we remain negligent and fail to prepare for the meeting with our Creator, we risk being caught off guard and unprepared when death approaches. This can lead to a state of regret and despair, as we realize the opportunities we wasted and the deeds we neglected.

On the other hand, if we are mindful of the swift approach of death, we are motivated to make the most of our time in this world. We strive to fulfill our obligations towards Allah, seek His forgiveness, and engage in acts of worship and kindness. This awareness instills a sense of urgency and purpose in our lives, enabling us to live with a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and conscious of the approaching reality of death. It urges us to avoid negligence and heedlessness, and instead, strive to make the most of our time in this world by engaging in righteous deeds and preparing for the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to live with awareness and purpose, and may He guide us to the path of righteousness.