Hadith #9945

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْمَوْتُ فَوْتٌ۔" which translates to

Death is expiration [and loss of opportunity].

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (death) "مَوْتُ" refers to the cessation of life, the departure of the soul from the physical body. It is a reality that every human being will inevitably face. The word (expiration) "فَوْتٌ" carries the connotation of losing an opportunity or missing out on something valuable. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that death is not merely the end of life, but it also signifies the loss of opportunities and the end of our ability to perform good deeds and seek forgiveness.

The Quran supports this understanding of death as a loss of opportunity. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 23:99-100)

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected

This verse emphasizes the regret felt by individuals at the moment of death, realizing that they have missed the chance to do good deeds and seek forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 63:10-11)

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.' But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing our wealth and resources for the sake of Allah before it is too late, before the opportunity is lost with the arrival of death.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the urgency to seize every opportunity to do good. Death is not just the end of our worldly existence; it is a reminder of the limited time we have to earn rewards and seek closeness to Allah. It serves as a motivation for us to constantly strive for righteousness and to make the most of our time in this temporary world.

This Hadith also highlights the consequences of neglecting our responsibilities and wasting our time. When we fail to utilize the opportunities presented to us, we risk losing the chance to earn rewards and attain success in the hereafter. It is a reminder to reflect upon our actions and ensure that we are making the most of the time we have been granted.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that death is not just the end of life, but it also signifies the loss of opportunities and the end of our ability to perform good deeds. It serves as a reminder to seize every opportunity to do good and to make the most of our time in this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to utilize our time wisely and to strive for righteousness.