Hadith #1473

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of hastening towards virtuous actions before being afflicted by a debilitating illness or facing sudden death. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (badiroo) "بادِروا" in the Hadith means to hasten or to be quick in performing an action. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to prioritize righteous deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to be proactive in their pursuit of good deeds, as time is fleeting and uncertain. This concept is beautifully captured in the following Quranic verse:

(Quran 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

Here, Allah urges believers to hasten towards seeking His forgiveness and the ultimate reward of Paradise. This verse highlights the importance of not delaying acts of repentance and righteousness, as the opportunity to do so may be lost due to unforeseen circumstances.

The word (amal) "عَمَلِ" in the Hadith refers to actions or deeds. It encompasses all acts of worship, including prayer, fasting, charity, and acts of kindness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to engage in virtuous actions as soon as possible, without procrastination or delay. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of righteous deeds:

(Quran 29:7)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights the inseparable connection between faith and good deeds. Belief alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by righteous actions. The Quran consistently emphasizes the importance of performing virtuous deeds as a means of attaining salvation and earning the pleasure of Allah.

The Hadith also mentions two specific circumstances that can hinder our ability to engage in virtuous actions: debilitating illness and sudden death. Illness can weaken our physical and mental capabilities, making it difficult to actively participate in acts of worship. Sudden death, on the other hand, can abruptly terminate our opportunity to accumulate good deeds in this world. Both scenarios serve as reminders of the transient nature of life and the need to seize every moment to engage in righteous actions.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the consequences of delaying or neglecting good deeds. In Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah warns those who procrastinate in performing acts of worship:

(Quran 9:84)

And never pray over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the consequences of delaying repentance and righteous actions until it is too late. Those who persistently disobey Allah and His Messenger are deprived of the blessings of a proper funeral prayer and are remembered as defiant disbelievers.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing every opportunity to engage in virtuous actions. We must not delay in fulfilling our religious obligations and striving for excellence in our worship. By hastening towards good deeds, we not only secure our own salvation but also inspire others to follow the path of righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to hasten towards virtuous actions and protect us from debilitating illness and sudden death. May He accept our efforts and reward us abundantly in this world and the Hereafter.