إنَّ مَعَ كُلِّ إنْسان مَلَكَيْنِ يَحْفَظانِهِ، فَإذا جاءَ أجَلُهُ خَلَّيا بَيْنَهُ وبَيْنَهُ، وَإنَّ الأجَلَ لَجُنَّةٌ حَصينَةٌ۔
Verily with every person there are two angels who protect him, and when his time is up they leave him alone with his impending death, and verily the [decreed] lifetime [of a person] is a strong protective shield.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Angels)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the presence of two angels assigned to protect every individual throughout their life. These angels remain by our side, safeguarding us from harm and guiding us towards righteousness. However, when the appointed time of death arrives, these angels step aside, leaving us alone to face our impending demise. The Hadith further emphasizes that the duration of our life is predetermined and protected by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) like a strong fortress.
To understand the significance behind this Hadith, let us delve into the relevant Quranic verses that shed light on the role of angels and the concept of predestined lifespan.
In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 11:6)
And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.
This verse highlights Allah's comprehensive knowledge and control over all aspects of creation, including the sustenance and lifespan of every living being.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ra'd, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) declares: (Quran 6:59)
And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.
This verse emphasizes Allah's absolute knowledge and control over every minute detail of the universe, including the lifespan of every individual.
From these verses, we understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has complete knowledge and control over our lives, including the appointment of angels to protect us. These angels fulfill their duty diligently until the moment of our death, when they withdraw from their protective role.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of death. It encourages us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and the actions we undertake during our limited time in this world.
This Hadith also highlights the importance of recognizing the transient nature of worldly attachments and focusing on the eternal life to come. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for righteousness, as our appointed time of death can arrive at any moment.
Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for self-reflection and self-improvement. It urges us to evaluate our actions, intentions, and character, as we are ultimately accountable for our choices when we face death alone. It prompts us to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings and to strive for a life that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the presence of angels who protect us throughout our lives and their withdrawal at the moment of death. It emphasizes the predestined nature of our lifespan and encourages us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and the actions we undertake. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound lessons embedded in this Hadith and guide us towards a righteous and purposeful life.
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