Hadith #140

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لِكُلِّ مُقْبِلٍ إِدْبَارٌ، وَمَا أَدْبَرَ كَأَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ۔

This beautiful Hadith holds deep wisdom and can be understood through the lens of the Quran.

The word (muqbil) "مُقْبِلٍ" in this Hadith refers to someone who approaches or comes forward. It signifies a person who is actively engaged in the affairs of this world, striving to achieve their goals and desires. On the other hand, the word (idbaar) "إِدْبَارٌ" means to retreat or to turn away. It represents the inevitable reality that every person, regardless of their accomplishments or status, will eventually have to leave this world and return to their Creator.

This Hadith reminds us of the transient nature of our existence in this world. No matter how successful or influential we may become, we are all destined to return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits and encourages us to focus on the eternal life to come.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and expand upon the wisdom contained in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:35):

Every soul shall taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.

This verse affirms the inevitability of death and reminds us that our worldly experiences, both positive and negative, are tests from Allah. It reinforces the idea that our ultimate destination is the return to Him.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:88):

And never invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgement, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the oneness of Allah and the futility of worshiping anything or anyone besides Him. It emphasizes that everything in this world will perish, except for the eternal presence of Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can gain a deeper understanding of the transient nature of our worldly existence. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that our focus should be on preparing for the eternal life to come. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to seek His pleasure above all else.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that no matter how much we achieve or accumulate in this world, it will all fade away when we return to our Creator. This Hadith urges us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and to strive for deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of our worldly existence. It encourages us to focus on the eternal life to come and to prioritize our relationship with Allah. By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting verses from the Quran, we can gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence and strive to live a life that is pleasing to our Creator. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.