Hadith #10009

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

هَيْهاتَ أنْ يَفُوتَ المَوْتَ مَنْ طَلَبَ أوْ يَنْجُوَ مِنْهُ مَنْ هَرَبَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Far be it for death to lose the one whom it seeks or for the one who flees it to get saved [from it].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (death) "مَوْتَ" in this Hadith refers to the inevitable end of every human being, the cessation of life in this world. It is a reality that no one can escape. The word (seeks) "طَلَبَ" implies that death is constantly pursuing every individual, regardless of their efforts to avoid it.

This concept of death seeking every soul is beautifully described in the Quran in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 50, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:50)

And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... they are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.'

This verse highlights the reality that death will eventually catch up to those who reject the truth, regardless of their attempts to escape it.

On the other hand, the phrase (for the one who flees it to get saved)

يَنْجُوَ مِنْهُ مَنْ هَرَبَ

emphasizes the futility of trying to evade death. No matter how fast or far one may run, they cannot escape the grasp of death. This notion is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Qiyamah, verse 26-27, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 75:36-37)

Does man think that he will be left neglected? Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?

These verses remind us that our existence is a result of Allah's creation, and we cannot escape the fate that awaits us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that death is an inevitable reality that no one can escape. It serves as a motivation to reflect upon our actions and strive to lead a righteous life, as death can come to us at any moment. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His forgiveness and mercy.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of preparing for the hereafter, as death is merely a transition to the eternal life. It encourages Muslims to focus on their spiritual growth, seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and purifying their souls. It reminds us to constantly strive for self-improvement and to make the most of the time we have in this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it. It encourages Muslims to reflect upon their actions, prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and strive for self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the reality of death and the strength to lead a righteous life.