Hadith #10013

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاتَرْعَوِى الْمَنِيَّةُ اخْتِراماً۔" This can be translated as,

Death does not desist from extermination [and will annihilate all].

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitable reality of death and its ultimate power to extinguish all life. The word (al-maniyyah) "الْمَنِيَّةُ" refers to death, while (ikhtiram) "اخْتِراماً" can be translated as "desist from" or "cease."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the universal and inescapable nature of death. It is a reality that every human being must face, regardless of their status, wealth, or power.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:15-16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. Then indeed, after that you are to die.

These verses remind us of the stages of human development and the ultimate fate that awaits us all. From a mere sperm-drop, we are formed into a complex creation, and ultimately, we will return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in death.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life in this world. It is a call to reflect upon the impermanence of our existence and to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly. Death does not discriminate; it comes to all, regardless of their worldly achievements or possessions.

This Hadith encourages us to contemplate the brevity of life and the importance of preparing for the eternal life that awaits us after death. It serves as a motivation to strive for righteousness and to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings. It reminds us to focus on the hereafter and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions.

The consequences of neglecting this reality are severe. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Mu'minun (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 highlights the regret that will be felt by those who neglect their duties in this life and only realize their mistakes when it is too late. It serves as a reminder to seize the opportunity of this life to strive for righteousness and to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of living a purposeful and meaningful life. We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, but instead, focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Death is a reminder of our mortality and a call to prepare for the ultimate meeting with our Creator.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His commands and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He grant us the strength to overcome the distractions of this world and to prioritize our actions in light of the eternal reality of death. And may He bless us with a good ending, where we meet Him in a state of righteousness.