Hadith #1488

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being prepared for death and its challenges. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful saying .

The word (badiru) "بادِرُوا" in the Hadith means to hasten or be prompt. It signifies the urgency with which we should approach the reality of death. As Muslims, we are reminded in the Quran of the inevitability of death in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

Every soul will taste death.

This verse serves as a reminder that death is an undeniable truth that awaits every individual.

The term (al-mawt wa ghamaratihi) "المَوْتَ وغَمَراتِهِ" refers to death and its throes. It encompasses the physical and spiritual challenges one may face during the process of dying. The Quran mentions the agonies of death in Surah Al-Waqi'ah, verse 26-27:

And the throes of death will bring the truth; that is what you were trying to avoid.

These verses highlight the intensity and reality of the pains associated with death.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to (wahmiddu lahu qabla huloolihi)

ومَهِّدُوا لَهُ قَبْلَ حُلُولِهِ

which means to prepare for death before its arrival. This entails engaging in acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and rectifying our relationships with others. The Quran encourages us to prepare for the Hereafter in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the importance of preparing for the journey of death by accumulating good deeds and seeking closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (a'iddu lahu qabla nuzulihi)

أعِدُّوا لَهُ قَبْلَ نُزولِهِ

which means to get ready for death before it descends upon us. This implies that we should constantly be in a state of readiness, ensuring that our affairs are in order and that we have fulfilled our obligations towards Allah and His creation. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2:

Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence and the need to be prepared for the ultimate test of death.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be proactive in our approach towards death. By anticipating death and its challenges, we can better prepare ourselves both spiritually and practically. This preparation involves engaging in acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and ensuring that our affairs are in order. It also entails reflecting on the transient nature of this world and prioritizing our eternal life in the Hereafter.

By heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can live a life of purpose and meaning, constantly striving to improve ourselves and seeking closeness to Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to anticipate death, prepare for it, and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.