Hadith #481

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) states,

Man dana minhu ajaluhu lam tu'inhu (lam tughnih) hiyaluhu.

This Hadith highlights the reality that when the appointed time of death approaches a person, no amount of effort or strategy can save them from it.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their significance. The word "dana" refers to the proximity or nearness of something. In this context, it signifies the approaching or drawing near of a person's death. "Ajaluhu" refers to the appointed time of death, which is predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "Lam tu'inhu" means that the person cannot be aided or supported, and "hiyaluhu" refers to the person's efforts or strategies.

This Hadith emphasizes the ultimate reality that when the time of death is near, no human effort or strategy can prevent it. It highlights the absolute power and control of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over life and death. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran, where Allah reminds us of His sovereignty and the inevitability of death:

(Quran 62:8)

Say, 'Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do.'

This verse serves as a reminder that death is an inescapable reality that every soul will face. No matter how much one tries to avoid or delay it, death will eventually catch up to them. It is a humbling reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of this worldly life.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can draw several profound insights. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of recognizing our limited control over our own lives. We may plan and strive for success, but ultimately, our fate lies in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder to place our trust in Him and submit to His will.

Secondly, this Hadith teaches us the importance of preparing for the inevitable. Instead of being consumed by worldly pursuits and materialistic desires, we should focus on building a strong relationship with Allah and striving for righteousness. We should constantly strive to improve ourselves and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, as we never know when our appointed time will arrive.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder to prioritize our actions and intentions in this life. We should strive to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and perform good deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter. It encourages us to live a purposeful life, constantly mindful of our ultimate destination and the accountability we will face before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the reality of death and the limited control we have over our own lives. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our mortality and preparing for the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a purposeful life and to always be mindful of our ultimate return to Him.