مَنْ عاشَ فَقَدَ أحِبَّتَهُ۔
One who lives [a long life], loses his loved ones.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Lifestyle)
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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
مَنْ عاشَ فَقَدَ أحِبَّتَهُ۔
This can be translated as,
One who lives [a long life], loses his loved ones.
Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.
The word (aasha) "عاشَ" in the Hadith means "to live" or
to have a long life.
It refers to the duration of one's life on this earth. The word (ahibbatahu) "أحِبَّتَهُ" comes from the root word (hubb) "حَبَّ", which means "love." In this context, it signifies the loss of loved ones.
This Hadith highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of separation from our loved ones. It serves as a reminder that no matter how long we live, we will eventually experience the pain of losing those dear to us. This reality is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), designed to remind us of the temporary nature of this world and to redirect our focus towards the eternal life to come.
The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
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 the ultimate recompense that awaits us in the Hereafter. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited, and we must prepare for the eternal life that follows.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.
This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that our attachments in this world, including our loved ones, are temporary and should not distract us from our ultimate purpose.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying in this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of separation from our loved ones. It reminds us to cherish the time we have with them and to prioritize building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that will reunite us in the Hereafter.
This Hadith also serves as a motivation to invest in acts of kindness, love, and compassion towards our loved ones while they are still with us. It urges us to strengthen the bonds of kinship, maintain good relationships, and express our love and appreciation for those dear to us. By doing so, we can create lasting memories and leave a positive impact on their lives.
Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of preparing for the inevitable separation and loss that we will face in this world. It encourages us to seek solace and comfort in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to find strength in our faith during times of grief and sorrow. Through patience, prayer, and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can navigate the challenges of loss and find peace in the knowledge that our loved ones are in the care of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of life and the inevitable loss of our loved ones. It encourages us to reflect on the temporary nature of this world and to prioritize our preparation for the eternal life to come. By cherishing our loved ones, investing in acts of kindness, and finding solace in our faith, we can navigate the challenges of loss and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to face the trials of this world and reunite us with our loved ones in the Hereafter.
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