Hadith #9979

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَيْفَ يَسْلَمُ مَنِ المَوْتُ طالِبُهُ؟!

which translates to

How can one who is sought by death remain safe?

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitability of death and the constant pursuit of it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (death) "مَوْتُ" in this Hadith refers to the ultimate reality that every human being will face. Death is an undeniable truth, and it is a journey that every soul must undertake. It is a transition from the temporary world to the eternal hereafter. The word (sought by) "طالِبُهُ" emphasizes the active pursuit of death, as if death itself is relentlessly searching for every living being.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the certainty of death in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57: (Quran 29:57)

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

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inescapable reality for every individual. No matter how much one tries to avoid or delay it, death will eventually catch up to them.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that it poses a profound question: How can one who is constantly pursued by death find safety and security? The answer lies in understanding the purpose of our existence and preparing for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran that this worldly life is temporary and that our true abode is the hereafter. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah says: (Quran 29:64)

This worldly life is only amusement and diversion. But the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of this world and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal life that awaits us.

To find safety from the pursuit of death, we must strive to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This entails following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By adhering to the principles of Islam, performing righteous deeds, and seeking forgiveness for our sins, we can attain salvation and protection from the consequences of death.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question serves as a reminder for us to constantly reflect on our mortality and the purpose of our existence. It motivates us to strive for righteousness and to make the most of the time we have in this world. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to prepare ourselves for the meeting with our Creator.

The consequences of neglecting the pursuit of safety from death are grave. Those who are heedless of death and fail to prepare for the hereafter risk being caught unprepared when the inevitable moment arrives. They may find themselves in a state of regret and despair, realizing that they wasted their lives chasing worldly pleasures without considering the consequences.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of death and the need to seek safety from its pursuit. It calls upon us to reflect on the purpose of our existence, to prioritize our spiritual growth, and to prepare ourselves for the meeting with our Creator. By living a righteous life and seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) pleasure, we can find safety and security from the relentless pursuit of death. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and protect us from the trials of death.