Hadith #9997

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who visualizes death before his very own eyes, the affairs of this world become easy [and trivial] for him.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contemplating death and its impact on our perception of worldly matters.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sawwara) "صَوَّرَ" means to visualize or imagine. It implies the act of picturing death in one's mind, not just as an abstract concept, but as a vivid reality. (al-mawt) "المَوْتَ" refers to death itself, the inevitable end that every human being will face. (bayna 'aynayhi) "بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ" means before one's very own eyes, indicating the need to bring death into the forefront of our consciousness.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of death. Allah 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.

This verse serves as a reminder that death is an inescapable reality, and our ultimate reward or punishment lies in the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary nature of material possessions.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. When one visualizes death before their very own eyes, it serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary nature of this world. It shifts our perspective and allows us to prioritize our actions and decisions based on the eternal consequences rather than temporary gains. This contemplation of death helps us detach from the materialistic allure of this world and focus on the pursuit of righteousness and the hereafter.

When we truly internalize the reality of death, the affairs of this world become easy and trivial for us. We no longer become consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, or worldly pleasures. Instead, we strive to live a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect on death as a means to transform our perception of worldly matters. By doing so, we can navigate through the challenges and distractions of this world with ease, focusing on what truly matters in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of visualizing death and its impact on our perception of worldly affairs. By contemplating the transient nature of this world and the certainty of death, we can prioritize our actions and decisions based on the eternal consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and prepare for the eternal life to come.