Hadith #9996

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَرَقَّبَ المَوْتَ سارَعَ إلَى الْخَيْراتِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who anticipates death hastens towards good deeds.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement, and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tarraqaba) "تَرَقَّبَ" in this Hadith means to anticipate or be watchful. It signifies a state of mindfulness and awareness, where one is constantly conscious of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. This awareness serves as a powerful motivator for the believer to hasten towards performing good deeds.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the fleeting nature of this worldly life in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. When one truly internalizes the reality of death, it becomes a catalyst for positive change and a driving force towards righteous actions.

The phrase (sara'a ila al-khayrat) "سارَعَ إلَى الْخَيْراتِ" in the Hadith means to hasten towards good deeds. It signifies the urgency and eagerness with which a believer should strive to perform acts of righteousness. This sense of urgency is beautifully captured in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten towards all that is good.

When we anticipate death, we realize that our time in this world is limited, and every moment becomes precious. This awareness compels us to seize every opportunity to engage in acts of kindness, charity, worship, and seeking knowledge. It motivates us to mend broken relationships, seek forgiveness, and rectify our actions.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hastening towards good deeds. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 61, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

When we anticipate death, we recognize the need to seek forgiveness and strive for righteousness. We understand that the time for repentance and good deeds is now, as we cannot predict when our lives will come to an end. This sense of urgency should permeate every aspect of our lives, driving us to constantly improve ourselves and benefit those around us.

Moreover, anticipating death also serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability we will face in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2,

Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

When we are mindful of death, we become more conscious of our actions and their consequences. We strive to align our deeds with the pleasure of Allah, seeking to excel in righteousness and earn His forgiveness. This awareness instills a sense of responsibility and accountability, motivating us to constantly improve ourselves and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of anticipating death and hastening towards good deeds. It reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. By internalizing this wisdom and acting upon it, we can lead a life of purpose, righteousness, and continuous self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to anticipate death and hasten towards good deeds.