Hadith #10002

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

ما يَنْجُو مِنَ الْمَوتِ مَنْ طَلَبَهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

One who is sought by death cannot be saved from it.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (death) "مَوتِ" refers to the cessation of life, the separation of the soul from the body. It is a reality that every human being will inevitably face. The word (saved) "يَنْجُو" implies being rescued or spared from a particular fate or danger. And the word (sought) "طَلَبَهُ" signifies the act of actively seeking or pursuing something.

In order to shed light on the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 61:

And He is the subjugator over His servants, and He sends over you guardian-angels until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].

This verse emphasizes the fact that death is an inevitable reality and that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who ultimately determines the time and manner of our departure from this world. No matter how much one may try to avoid or escape death, it is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 50:

And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.'

This verse serves as a reminder that when the appointed time of death arrives, there is no escape or reprieve. The angels, as messengers of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), fulfill their duty by taking the souls of those who have been destined to depart from this world. This further emphasizes the idea that no one can be saved from death once it is seeking them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and the inevitability of death. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and strive for righteousness, as we never know when our time will come. It reminds us to constantly seek forgiveness, engage in acts of worship, and strive to improve ourselves spiritually.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to live a life of purpose and meaning. Knowing that death is inevitable, we should strive to make the most of our time in this world by engaging in acts of kindness, charity, and seeking knowledge. We should strive to leave a positive impact on those around us and work towards the betterment of society.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our actions in this world and the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new journey. Our actions in this life will determine our fate in the Hereafter, and it is crucial for us to strive for righteousness and seek forgiveness before it is too late.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

One who is sought by death cannot be saved from it

serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a purposeful and meaningful life. It encourages Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world, prioritize their actions, and strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the beautiful message of this Hadith and the ability to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.