Hadith #10007

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, about the transient nature of this worldly life and the inevitability of death. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (ahl muddatil baqaa) "أهْلُ مُدَّةِ البَقاءِ" which can be translated as

the people who have been given time to live [in this world].

The word (muddah) "مُدَّةِ" refers to a specific period or duration, and (al-baqaa) "البَقاءِ" refers to the state of remaining or staying. Therefore, the phrase "أهْلُ مُدَّةِ البَقاءِ" signifies those individuals who have been granted a specific period of time to live in this world.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57: (Quran 29:57)

Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you shall be returned.

This verse emphasizes the universal reality that every individual, regardless of their status or position, will inevitably experience death. It serves as a reminder that the purpose of our existence in this world is temporary and that our ultimate return is to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 99, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (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 highlights the regret that some individuals will feel upon facing death, wishing for more time to engage in righteous deeds. However, it emphasizes that such a request is futile, as death is an inevitable reality that cannot be reversed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes this reality by questioning whether those who have been given a specific period of time in this world are truly awaiting anything other than death. It serves as a reminder that the hour of death is approaching for every individual, and the journey from this world to the hereafter is imminent.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of life and to prioritize their actions and intentions accordingly. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited and that we should strive to make the most of it by engaging in righteous deeds and preparing for the eternal life to come. It serves as a motivation to seek forgiveness, repentance, and to constantly strive for self-improvement.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of the approaching end of our lives. Just as the hour of death is close and the journey to the hereafter is at hand, we must be aware of the signs of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of this worldly existence. This awareness should lead us to reflect upon our actions, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and strive to make the most of the time we have been given.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims about the transient nature of this worldly life and the inevitability of death. It urges us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to prioritize our actions and intentions accordingly. By recognizing the approaching end of our lives and striving to make the most of our time, we can prepare ourselves for the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him.