Hadith #1491

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to surpass their hopes and be prepared for the sudden arrival of death. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that people are on the brink of having their hopes shattered and being caught off guard by the inevitability of death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (badiroo) "بادِرُوا" in the Hadith means to surpass or exceed. It implies that Muslims should go beyond their expectations and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. This includes their faith, worship, and moral conduct. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to excel in our deeds in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 61:

(Quran 23:61)

But they who hasten to good deeds and are foremost in them - these are the righteous.

The phrase (al-amal) "الأمَلَ" in the Hadith refers to hope. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to surpass our hopes because people are on the verge of losing hope. This can be understood in the context of the transient nature of this world and the uncertainties of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

(Quran 57:20)

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further warns us to anticipate the assault of death. This means that we should always be prepared for the inevitability of death, as it can come upon us suddenly and unexpectedly. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

(Quran 29:57)

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

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being prepared for death because it is a reality that awaits every individual. We should not be complacent or negligent in our spiritual journey, thinking that we have endless time to rectify our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 10:

(Quran 63:10)

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

The consequences of neglecting this advice are severe. If we do not surpass our hopes and prepare for death, we risk being caught off guard and unprepared for the Hereafter. Our hopes and aspirations in this world will be in vain if we have not worked towards the ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Qiyamah, verses 36-37:

(Quran 75:36-37)

Does man think that he will be left neglected? Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual journey. We should strive to surpass our hopes and expectations, constantly seeking to improve ourselves and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We must be prepared for the inevitable arrival of death, ensuring that our actions align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain true success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to surpass our hopes and be prepared for the assault of death. May He guide us on the straight path and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.