Hadith #1097

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 أقْطعَ الأجَلَ للأمَلِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

How severing is death for hope!

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark reality of death and its impact on our hopes and aspirations.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (aqta'a) "أقْطعَ" means "to sever" or "to cut off." It signifies a complete and abrupt end to something. In this context, it refers to the finality and inevitability of death. The word (al-ajal) "الأجَلَ" means "appointed time" or "destiny." It refers to the predetermined time when a person's life will come to an end. Lastly, the word (al-amal) "الأمَلِ" means "hope" or "aspiration." It represents our dreams, ambitions, and expectations for the future.

To understand the essence behind this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:32),

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?

This verse reminds us that the life of this world is temporary and fleeting. Our hopes and desires in this worldly life are merely temporary distractions that will eventually come to an end.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 inevitability of death and the fact that our true rewards and desires will be fulfilled in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the harsh reality that death severs all our hopes and aspirations in this worldly life. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to strive for success in the Hereafter, where our true hopes and desires will be fulfilled. Death is a wake-up call, urging us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and to prioritize our actions accordingly.

When we contemplate the severing nature of death for hope, it motivates us to focus on the eternal life and the rewards that await us in the Hereafter. It encourages us to invest our time and efforts in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes and aspirations are aligned with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the attainment of Paradise.

The consequences of neglecting this reality are grave. If we become too attached to our worldly hopes and aspirations, we risk losing sight of our true purpose in life. We may become consumed by materialistic pursuits, neglecting our spiritual growth and the needs of others. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as our hopes and dreams in this world are ultimately unfulfilling.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded to live a balanced life, striving for success in both this world and the Hereafter. We should not abandon our worldly responsibilities, but rather approach them with the understanding that they are temporary and transitory. Our hopes and aspirations should be rooted in the pursuit of righteousness, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the severing nature of death for our hopes and aspirations in this worldly life. It urges us to prioritize our actions and align our desires with the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By reflecting on the temporary nature of this world and striving for success in the Hereafter, we can ensure that our hopes and aspirations are fulfilled in the most meaningful and lasting way. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him.