Hadith #1494

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

Blessed is he who anticipates death, takes advantage of respite and prepares the provision of good deeds [for the Hereafter].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being aware of the transient nature of this worldly life and the need to prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (badaara) "بادَرَ" means to anticipate or hasten. It implies being proactive and not delaying in matters of importance. (al-ajala) "الأجَلَ" refers to death, which is the ultimate reality that every human being will face. (ightanama) "اغْتَنَمَ" means to take advantage or make the most of something. It signifies utilizing the time and opportunities we have been granted in this world. (al-mahala) "المَهَلَ" refers to respite or a period of time before an event. It highlights the temporary nature of life and the need to seize the opportunity to prepare for the Hereafter. (tazawwada) "تَزَوَّدَ" means to prepare or equip oneself. It implies making provisions for the journey towards the Hereafter. (al-amal) "العَمَلِ" refers to good deeds, actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100),

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 regret that some individuals will experience at the time of death, wishing for another chance to perform good deeds. However, it will be too late, as the opportunity for action will have passed.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9),

The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah and the performance of righteous deeds. Those who anticipate death and prepare for the Hereafter will be rewarded with the forgiveness of their sins and eternal bliss in Paradise.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that it encourages us to be mindful of the fleeting nature of life and to prioritize our actions accordingly. By anticipating death, we are reminded of the urgency to engage in acts of worship and righteousness. We should not procrastinate in performing good deeds, as we do not know when our time will come to an end. Just as we plan for our worldly needs, we should also plan for our eternal life by accumulating good deeds.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and to make the most of the time and opportunities we have been granted. It reminds us to be proactive in our pursuit of knowledge, acts of worship, and acts of kindness towards others. By preparing the provision of good deeds, we ensure that we are ready to meet our Creator and are deserving of His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to anticipate death, take advantage of the respite in this world, and prepare for the Hereafter by engaging in righteous actions. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the need to prioritize our actions accordingly. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to heed this advice and strive for excellence in our worship and conduct.