Hadith #9958

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life and the inevitability of death. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (idbaar) "إدْبار" in the Hadith refers to moving away or retreating from something. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the departure from this worldly life. On the other hand, the word (iqbaal) "إقْبال" denotes the act of moving towards or approaching something. In this Hadith, it represents death, which is steadily approaching every individual.

The Hadith emphasizes the swift meeting between a person and death when they are in the process of departing from this world. It serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the certainty of death. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in various verses.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (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 verse highlights the inevitability of death for every soul and emphasizes that the true compensation and reward for one's deeds will be granted on the Day of Resurrection. It reminds us that the life of this world is merely a temporary illusion, and the real purpose lies in preparing for the eternal life to come.

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

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

This verse reiterates the universal truth that every soul will experience death, and ultimately, all of us will be returned to Allah. It serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable reality that awaits each and every one of us.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of this worldly life. It compels us to reflect upon our actions and priorities, urging us to focus on preparing for the eternal life that awaits us after death.

This Hadith serves as a motivation to prioritize our spiritual growth, seeking closeness to Allah and striving to live a life in accordance with His guidance. It reminds us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and instead invest our time and efforts in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and actions. It reminds us that the meeting with death is inevitable, and it is crucial to ensure that we are prepared for that meeting. It prompts us to contemplate the state of our hearts, the sincerity of our intentions, and the righteousness of our deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life and the certainty of death. It urges us to reflect on our priorities, motivations, and actions, reminding us to prepare for the meeting with death. By aligning our lives with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, we can strive to meet death with a heart filled with faith, righteousness, and hope for the eternal life to come. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to live a life of purpose and prepare for the meeting with Him.