Hadith #9946

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

الْمَوْتُ رَقِيبٌ (رَفِيقٌ) غَافِلٌ۔

This translates to

Death is a heedless watchman (or friend).

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (death) "مَوْتُ" refers to the cessation of life, the departure of the soul from the physical body. It is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. The word (watchman) "رَقِيبٌ" signifies a guardian or overseer who is constantly observing and monitoring. In this context, it refers to death being vigilant and ever-present, always watching over us. The word (heedless) "غَافِلٌ" means someone who is unaware, negligent, or inattentive.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:61),

And He is the subjugator over His servants, and He sends over you guardian-angels until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].

This verse highlights the concept of death being a watchman or guardian appointed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as a watchman is vigilant in his duty to protect, death is vigilant in its duty to take the souls of human beings when their appointed time comes. It serves as a reminder that death is not a random occurrence, but a predetermined event that is part of Allah's divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He 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.

This verse emphasizes the purpose of death as a test for humanity. It is through the experience of death that we are reminded of the temporary nature of this worldly life and are given the opportunity to reflect upon our actions and strive towards righteousness. Death serves as a wake-up call, urging us to be mindful of our deeds and to prepare for the eternal life that awaits us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Death is a heedless watchman (or friend),

carries a impactful message. It reminds us that while death may seem distant and detached from our daily lives, it is constantly present, silently observing our every move. It is a reminder that we should not become complacent or negligent in our spiritual journey.

Just as a heedless friend may lead us astray or distract us from our goals, death can have a similar effect if we allow ourselves to be consumed by worldly pursuits and forget the ultimate purpose of our existence. It is a call to be vigilant and conscious of our actions, to constantly strive for self-improvement, and to prioritize our spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of purpose and righteousness. We should strive to make the most of our time in this world, utilizing it to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to benefit ourselves and others. Death should serve as a motivation to seize every opportunity for good deeds, to mend broken relationships, and to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that death is not something to be ignored or taken lightly. It is a constant reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of this world. By recognizing death as a watchman or friend, we are urged to be vigilant in our pursuit of righteousness and to make the most of our time in this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to reflect upon the reality of death and to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.