Hadith #10003

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أنْزَلَ المَوْتَ مَنْزِلَهُ مَنْ عَدَّ غَداً مِنْ أجَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who counts tomorrow as part of his lifetime has not recognized the reality of death.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of death and its implications on our lives.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze some key words. The word (death) "مَوْتَ" refers to the cessation of life, the departure of the soul from the physical body. It is a universal reality that every human being will inevitably face. The word (its place) "مَنْزِلَهُ" signifies the appointed time and occurrence of death. It is a fixed destination that cannot be altered or delayed. The word (counts) "عَدَّ" implies considering or including something as part of a whole. And finally, the word (his lifetime) "أجَلِهِ" refers to the duration of one's existence in this world.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

Every soul will taste death, then to Us you will be returned.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the ultimate return to Allah. It reminds us that death is an integral part of our journey in this world and that we must prepare for it.

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

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse highlights the fact that death is not the end, but rather a transition to the Hereafter where our true recompense awaits. It reminds us that our actions in this world will determine our eternal fate.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By stating that

One who counts tomorrow as part of his lifetime has not recognized the reality of death,

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to acknowledge the certainty and unpredictability of death. It is a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should not take it for granted.

When we count tomorrow as part of our lifetime, we become complacent and delay important matters. We may postpone acts of worship, neglect our duties towards others, and become engrossed in worldly pursuits. This mindset blinds us to the reality that death can come at any moment, without warning. It prevents us from preparing ourselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to live each day as if it were our last, to make the most of our time in this world by striving to please Allah and fulfill our responsibilities. By recognizing the reality of death, we are motivated to prioritize our actions and make choices that align with our ultimate purpose in life - to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

The consequences of not recognizing the reality of death are grave. If we live with a false sense of security, assuming that we have an unlimited amount of time, we may fall into heedlessness and neglect our spiritual growth. We may engage in sinful behavior, harm others, and waste our precious time on trivial matters. Ultimately, this can lead to regret and loss in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to recognize the reality of death and its impact on our lives. By understanding the certainty and unpredictability of death, we are motivated to prioritize our actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to internalize this impactful message and live our lives in accordance with His guidance.