Hadith #524

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ أجَل تَحْتَ أمَل۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Sometimes death is [hidden] beneath an aspiration.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ajal) "أجَل" in this Hadith refers to death, which is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. It is a fixed term appointed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for every soul. The word (tahta) "تَحْتَ" means beneath or under, indicating that death can be concealed or hidden beneath something else. And finally, the word (amal) "أمَل" refers to aspirations or hopes that individuals have in their lives.

This Hadith reminds us that death can come unexpectedly, even when we are engrossed in pursuing our aspirations and dreams. It serves as a powerful reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should not become too attached to our worldly desires. We must always be prepared for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of preparing for the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that death is a universal reality that no one can escape. Our true reward and compensation will be given to us on the Day of Resurrection, based on our actions in this temporary life. The life of this world is merely an illusion, a fleeting enjoyment that distracts us from the ultimate purpose of our existence.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and desires. They are merely a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to see how we utilize them and whether we prioritize our aspirations over our obligations to Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the purpose of their lives and the transient nature of this world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of good deeds over worldly aspirations that may distract us from our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, but rather focus on fulfilling our obligations as Muslims and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter. Death can come suddenly, without warning, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we are ready to meet our Creator at any moment.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual growth and the strength to overcome the distractions of this world. May He guide us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and grant us a good end in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.