Hadith #3066

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أقْرَبَ الحَياةَ مِنَ المَوْتِ۔

This Hadith translates to,

How close is life to death!

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fleeting nature of life and the imminence of death. Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (aqrab) "أقْرَبَ" in the Hadith means "closest" or "nearest." It emphasizes the proximity and immediacy of life to death. This word conveys the idea that life is not a distant concept, but rather something that is constantly approaching us. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that death is inevitable.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:185)

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 ayah emphasizes the reality that every soul will experience death, and the true reward or punishment will be given in the Hereafter. It also highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures, which can often deceive us into forgetting the ultimate purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of preparing for the eternal life to come. It urges us to prioritize our actions and make the most of the limited time we have in this world.

When we contemplate the closeness of life to death, it motivates us to engage in acts of worship, seek forgiveness for our sins, and strive to improve ourselves. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, as we never know when our time will come to an end.

Furthermore, reflecting on the proximity of life to death helps us put our worldly concerns into perspective. It reminds us that the pursuit of material possessions and worldly success should not consume us, as they are temporary and will ultimately fade away. Instead, we should focus on building a strong relationship with Allah and striving for righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for the Day of Judgment. The Quran repeatedly warns us about the consequences of our actions in the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah says, (Quran 45:26)

Say, 'It is Allah who gives you life, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt, but most of the people do not know.'

This ayah reminds us that Allah is the ultimate giver and taker of life, and that we will be held accountable for our deeds on the Day of Resurrection. It emphasizes the importance of using our time in this world wisely and preparing for the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

How close is life to death!

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. It motivates us to prioritize our actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for righteousness. It also helps us put our worldly concerns into perspective and reminds us to prepare for the Day of Judgment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time in this world and to prepare for the eternal life to come.