Hadith #491

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Departure [from this world] is imminent.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries meaning and serves as a reminder for all Muslims about the transient nature of life and the certainty of death.

The word (ar-rahil) "الرَّحيلُ" refers to the act of departing or leaving. It signifies the transition from this worldly life to the hereafter. It is a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we will eventually leave everything behind. This departure can be understood as the separation of the soul from the physical body, marking the end of our earthly journey.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this departure is (washiq) "وَشيكٌ", meaning it is imminent or near. This highlights the urgency and inevitability of death. It serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon the purpose of their existence and to prepare for the eternal life that awaits them.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

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

This verse affirms the universal truth that every individual will experience death. It reminds Muslims that death is an inescapable reality and that they will ultimately return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of life and highlights the importance of preparing for the Day of Resurrection, where true justice and recompense will be granted.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of this world and the certainty of our departure from it. This realization should motivate us to prioritize our actions and strive for righteousness in order to secure a successful outcome in the hereafter.

The knowledge of the imminent departure from this world should serve as a constant reminder for Muslims to live a life of purpose, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life to come. It should encourage us to reflect on our actions, rectify our shortcomings, and strive for self-improvement.

Moreover, this Hadith prompts us to contemplate the consequences of our choices and actions in this world. It reminds us that our time here is limited and that we will be held accountable for our deeds. This realization should motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and engage in acts of kindness and charity, as these are the deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims that departure from this world is imminent. It urges us to reflect upon the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. By understanding this reality, we are motivated to prioritize our actions, seek righteousness, and prepare for the eternal life that awaits us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him.