Hadith #516

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 Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

He who counts tomorrow [to be] from his lifetime has not given death its rightful place.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing the inevitability of death and the need to prepare for the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (death) "مَوتَ" refers to the cessation of life and the departure of the soul from the physical body. The word (its rightful place) "مَنْزِلَهُ" signifies the acknowledgement and acceptance of death as a natural part of the human experience. The phrase (he who counts tomorrow [to be] from his lifetime)

مَنْ عَدَّ غَداً مِنْ أجَلِهِ

emphasizes the error of assuming that one will live to see another day without considering the possibility of death.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the certainty of death for every soul and the need to focus on the eternal life in the hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the life of this world is temporary and fleeting, and our true reward lies in the afterlife. Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to prioritize our spiritual journey and prepare for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2:

It is He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose behind the creation of life and death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created death as a means to test our actions and determine who among us is best in righteousness. By recognizing the reality of death and preparing for it, we demonstrate our commitment to fulfilling our purpose in this world and striving for excellence in our deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of all backgrounds. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of this worldly life and to prioritize our spiritual growth and preparation for the hereafter. By acknowledging the inevitability of death and giving it its rightful place, we are motivated to lead a life of piety, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and striving to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the human condition and his ability to convey profound truths in concise statements is a testament to his exceptional intellect and spiritual insight.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to give death its rightful place in our lives and to prioritize our spiritual journey. By recognizing the certainty of death and preparing for the hereafter, we strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our eternal reward. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to live our lives in accordance with this profound teaching.