Hadith #9963

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Sometimes the choker (or drinker) is choked by water [and dies] before quenching his thirst.

This Hadith uses the word (shariq) "شَارِقٌ" which can be translated as "choker" or "drinker," and (rayyah) "رَيِّهِ" which means "thirst."

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment and taqwa as the ultimate provision for our journey in this world.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

These verses highlight the balance that Muslims should strive for in their lives. While seeking the provisions of this world, we must not forget our ultimate goal, which is the home of the Hereafter. We should not become so engrossed in worldly desires that we neglect our spiritual needs and the pursuit of righteousness.

Now, let us delve into the deeper meaning of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is drawing our attention to the irony of a person who dies of thirst while being surrounded by water. This serves as a metaphor for those who are consumed by the materialistic pursuits of this world, neglecting their spiritual well-being.

Just as the choker is choked by water before quenching their thirst, individuals who prioritize worldly desires over their spiritual growth find themselves spiritually suffocated and unfulfilled. They may accumulate wealth, power, and status, but their souls remain parched and deprived of the true nourishment that comes from a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of material possessions should not overshadow the pursuit of piety and righteousness. We should strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. Just as we need water to sustain our physical bodies, we need the remembrance of Allah and the practice of our faith to nourish our souls.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect on our priorities and ensure that we do not become so engrossed in worldly pursuits that we neglect our spiritual well-being. We should seek the provisions of this world with moderation and gratitude, while constantly striving to strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to strike a balance in our lives and grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual growth. May we never be among those who are choked by the water of this world, but rather be among those who quench their thirst with the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.