Hadith #9956

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 highlights the importance of being prepared for death, as it is inevitable and can strike at any moment. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this hadith are (onslaught of death) "هُجُومُ المَوْتِ" and (being prepared) "التَّأَهُّبِ". The word "هُجُومُ" refers to a sudden and forceful attack, while "المَوْتِ" signifies death. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the unpredictable and relentless nature of death. On the other hand, "التَّأَهُّبِ" conveys the idea of readiness and preparedness.

The Quran emphasizes the certainty of death and the need to be prepared for it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

This verse reminds us that death is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. It is a reminder that we must always be prepared for the moment when our souls will depart from this world.

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

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

This verse highlights the purpose behind the creation of death and life, which is to test us and determine our actions. It underscores the importance of being prepared for death, as it is a crucial aspect of our test in this worldly life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder that not being prepared for death is a sign of incompetence. It implies that neglecting to prepare for the inevitable end of our lives is a failure on our part. Just as we strive to be prepared for other aspects of our lives, such as education, career, and relationships, we must also prioritize our preparedness for death.

The consequences of not being prepared for death are grave. When death comes unexpectedly, without us having made the necessary spiritual and practical preparations, we risk leaving this world with regrets and unfinished business. We may have neglected our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings, and missed out on opportunities to earn rewards and seek forgiveness.

On the other hand, being prepared for death brings numerous benefits. It allows us to live a life of purpose and righteousness, constantly striving to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation. It motivates us to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and maintain strong relationships. Being prepared for death also enables us to face the challenges of life with resilience and patience, knowing that our ultimate goal is to meet our Creator.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating our lives and making the necessary adjustments to ensure that we are prepared for death. We should strive to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, seek knowledge to deepen our understanding of Islam, and engage in acts of kindness and charity to benefit our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to be prepared for the inevitable onslaught of death. It highlights the importance of prioritizing our spiritual and practical preparedness, as neglecting to do so is a sign of incompetence. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the certainty of death and the need for readiness, we can strive to lead a purposeful and righteous life, ensuring that we are prepared to meet our Creator when the time comes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be prepared for death and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.