Hadith #9949

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الْمَوْتُ أَوَّلُ عَدْلِ الْآخِرَةِ

which translates to

Death is the first justice of the Hereafter.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and inevitability of death in the journey towards the Hereafter.

The word (death) "مَوْتُ" refers to the cessation of life, the departure of the soul from the physical body. It is a transition from the temporary worldly life to the eternal life in the Hereafter. Death is a reality that every individual will face, regardless of their status, wealth, or power. It is a universal truth that no one can escape.

The term (first) "أَوَّلُ" signifies the initial stage or the beginning of something. In this context, it emphasizes that death is the first stage of the Hereafter, marking the commencement of the journey towards the ultimate justice and recompense for one's actions in this world.

The word (justice) "عَدْلِ" refers to fairness, equity, and the establishment of balance. In the Hereafter, every individual will be held accountable for their deeds, and justice will prevail. Death serves as the first step towards this divine justice, as it separates individuals from the transient world and brings them closer to the eternal consequences of their actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of death as a means of justice and accountability in the Hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

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

This verse highlights the inevitability of death and the ultimate return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for judgment. It emphasizes that death is not the end but rather a transition to the Hereafter, where justice will prevail.

In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Then We produced from the extract of the clay [Adam] a sperm-drop; then We made it a clinging clot, and We made the clot 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.

This verse highlights the process of creation and the stages of human development. It reminds us that just as we were created from a mere sperm-drop, we will return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after death, where justice will be established.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of recognizing the transient nature of this worldly life. It urges us to reflect upon our actions and strive for righteousness, knowing that death is the gateway to the Hereafter, where justice will be served.

This Hadith also motivates us to prioritize our spiritual growth and prepare ourselves for the inevitable meeting with our Creator. It encourages us to seek forgiveness for our sins, perform good deeds, and strive for righteousness, knowing that death is the first step towards the ultimate justice and recompense.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our actions in this world. It serves as a reflection on the choices we make and the impact they will have in the Hereafter. It encourages us to lead a life of virtue, justice, and compassion, knowing that death will ultimately bring us face to face with the consequences of our deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of death as the first justice of the Hereafter. It reminds Muslims of the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing for the eternal consequences of our actions. By reflecting on this impactful saying , we are motivated to lead a life of righteousness and seek Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mercy and forgiveness, knowing that death is the gateway to the ultimate justice and recompense. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in the Hereafter.