Hadith #3065

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The end of [this] life is death.

This concise statement carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims about the transient nature of this worldly existence.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ghayah) "غايَةُ" refers to the end or the ultimate goal, while (al-hayat) "الْحَياةِ" means life. Finally, (al-mawt) "الْمَوْتُ" signifies death.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides numerous verses that emphasize the inevitability of death and the temporary nature of this worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64),

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse highlights that the true life, the everlasting one, lies in the Hereafter, while the life of this world is merely a fleeting distraction.

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. 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 reminds us that death is an inevitable reality that every soul will experience, and the true reward for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we realize that the purpose of this life is not to seek eternal pleasure and fulfillment here, but rather to prepare for the everlasting life that awaits us in the Hereafter. Death serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should strive to live a life of righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transience of this worldly life and to prioritize our actions accordingly. It reminds us to focus on building a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure, and performing good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. It also serves as a motivation to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and temporary pleasures of this world, as they hold no lasting value.

Moreover, contemplating the reality of death can have a profound impact on our behavior and mindset. It can instill a sense of urgency in us to make the most of our time in this world, to mend our relationships, and to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings. It can also serve as a reminder to be grateful for the blessings we have been bestowed with and to utilize them in ways that bring benefit to ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The end of [this] life is death,

reminds us of the fleeting nature of this worldly existence and the importance of preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter. It calls upon us to reflect, prioritize, and strive for righteousness, knowing that death is an inevitable reality that awaits us all. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and to attain success in both this life and the Hereafter.