Hadith #9971

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah, the Most High, and may His peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous ones among his ummah.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

فِي المَوْتِ غِبْطَةٌ أوْ نِدامَةٌ۔

which translates to

In death there is [either] delight or regret.

This concise statement holds a deep meaning and calls for reflection on the nature of death and its consequences.

Let us first explore the important words in this hadith. The word (ghibtah) "غِبْطَةٌ" refers to delight, happiness, or contentment, while (nidamah) "نِدامَةٌ" signifies regret, remorse, or sorrow. These words capture the two possible outcomes that await every individual upon their departure from this world.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 emphasizes the inevitability of death and the ultimate accountability that awaits us in the Hereafter. It reminds us that the true reward or punishment for our actions will be granted on the Day of Resurrection. The fleeting pleasures and distractions of this worldly life are merely an illusion compared to the everlasting bliss or torment that lies ahead.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 the temporary nature of this worldly existence and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. It serves as a reminder that our choices and actions in this life will determine our fate in the Hereafter.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of Imam Ali's wise utterance. The phrase

In death there is [either] delight or regret

encapsulates the reality that death is not merely the end of life, but rather a transition to a new realm where the consequences of our deeds become manifest.

When a person has lived a life of righteousness, fulfilling their obligations to Allah and their fellow human beings, death becomes a source of delight. It becomes a gateway to eternal bliss, where the soul is reunited with its Creator and is granted the rewards promised for a life well-lived. Such individuals depart from this world with a sense of contentment, knowing that they have fulfilled their purpose and have secured a place in Paradise.

On the other hand, for those who have neglected their duties, transgressed the boundaries set by Allah, and harmed others, death becomes a cause for regret. It becomes a painful realization of missed opportunities, wasted time, and the consequences of their actions. These individuals depart from this world with a heavy heart, knowing that they have squandered the precious gift of life and will face the consequences of their choices in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the purpose of their existence and the choices they make in this life. It urges us to strive for righteousness, to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and to constantly evaluate our actions in light of the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's beautiful saying,

In death there is [either] delight or regret,

reminds us of the ultimate consequences of our actions in this life. It calls upon us to strive for righteousness and to constantly seek Allah's pleasure, so that we may attain delight in the face of death and secure eternal bliss in the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us a good end.