Hadith #508

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

If the appointed times of death were to become known, the [secret] hopes [of people] would be exposed.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of the uncertainty of death and the hidden aspirations that individuals hold within themselves.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (zaharat) "ظَهَرَتِ" means "to become known" or "to be revealed." It signifies the exposure or manifestation of something that was previously hidden or concealed. The term (al-ajal) "الآجالُ" refers to the appointed times of death, which are predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for every individual. Lastly, (al-amal) "الآمالُ" translates to "hopes" or "aspirations."

To comprehend the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:2),

It is He who created you from clay and then decreed a term and a specified time [known] to Him; then [still] you are in dispute.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has determined a specific time for each individual's death, which is known only to Him. This knowledge is concealed from us, and it is a test of our faith and trust in Allah's divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

These verses highlight the human desire to have more time to fulfill their aspirations and do good deeds. However, once death approaches, it is too late to make amends or change one's fate.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that if we were aware of our appointed times of death, our hidden hopes and aspirations would be exposed. This knowledge would have profound consequences on our actions and motivations. It would lead to a loss of sincerity in our deeds, as we might be tempted to delay or rush our efforts based on our knowledge of the remaining time we have. The uncertainty of death serves as a reminder for us to live each day as if it were our last, striving to fulfill our aspirations and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in every action.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency in our pursuit of righteousness. We should not delay in seeking forgiveness, performing acts of worship, or fulfilling our responsibilities towards others. We must strive to make the most of the time we have been granted, for we do not know when our appointed time will come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the uncertainty of death and the hidden hopes that lie within each individual. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we understand that the knowledge of our appointed times of death would have significant consequences on our actions and motivations. It is a reminder for us to live each day with a sense of urgency, striving to fulfill our aspirations and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time in this world.