Hadith #7200

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the intelligent ones among us to be cautious of death in this world and to make good preparations before reaching the abode where one desires death but cannot find it. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (intelligent) "عاقل" in this Hadith refers to those who possess wisdom, understanding, and foresight. It is a call to all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to use their intellect and rationality to reflect upon the reality of death and its implications. Death is an inevitable reality that awaits every soul, and it is the duty of the intelligent ones to be mindful of it.

The phrase (to be cautious of death) "يَحْذَرَ المَوْتَ" emphasizes the need to be aware of the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. This caution should not lead to fear or despair, but rather to a sense of urgency in preparing for the hereafter. It reminds us to prioritize our actions and strive for righteousness, as death can come to us at any moment.

To support the importance of being cautious of death, the Quran provides numerous verses that remind us of the fleeting nature of this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

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 serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable reality for every soul. It also highlights the temporary nature of this worldly life, which is nothing but an illusion compared to the eternal life of the hereafter. Therefore, it is crucial for the intelligent ones to be cautious of death and not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to make good preparations before reaching the abode where one desires death but cannot find it. This implies that we should strive to lead a righteous life and engage in acts of worship and good deeds, as these are the preparations that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2):

It is 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 highlights the purpose of our existence, which is to be tested by Allah through our actions. Therefore, it is essential for us to make good preparations by striving to excel in righteous deeds and seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings.

The consequences of not being cautious of death and failing to make good preparations are severe. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9):

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse serves as a reminder that being preoccupied with worldly possessions and neglecting the remembrance of Allah can lead to loss and regret in the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is a call to action for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. It urges us to be mindful of death, prioritize our actions, and make good preparations for the hereafter. It reminds us that this world is temporary and that our true abode is in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be cautious of death and the ability to make good preparations for the eternal life to come.