Hadith #9955

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا حَضَرَتِ المَنِيَّةُ افْتَضَحَتِ الأُمْنِيَّةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

When death arrives, hopes are exposed.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (hadarat) "حَضَرَتِ" refers to the arrival or approach of something. In this context, it signifies the arrival of death, which is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. The word (al-maniyyah) "المَنِيَّةُ" refers to death itself. It is a reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life and the certainty of our eventual departure from it. Lastly, the word (al-umniyyah) "الأُمْنِيَّةُ" refers to hopes or aspirations. It represents the desires and ambitions that individuals hold dear during their lifetime.

To understand the enlightening message behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

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

This verse emphasizes the universal reality of death and the ultimate return to Allah. It serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of our existence, and it is a certainty that we cannot escape.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret and realization that individuals experience when faced with the reality of death. They yearn for another chance to rectify their actions and fulfill their aspirations. However, it is a futile desire, as death marks the end of opportunities for worldly deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It reminds us that the arrival of death exposes the true nature of our hopes and aspirations. In the face of death, all worldly desires and ambitions lose their significance. The pursuit of material possessions, fame, and worldly success becomes meaningless when confronted with the certainty of our mortality.

This Hadith urges us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and prioritize our actions accordingly. It encourages us to focus on the eternal and everlasting rewards that await us in the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by temporary worldly desires. It reminds us to invest our time and efforts in acts of righteousness, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the inevitable meeting with Him.

When we internalize the message of this Hadith, it motivates us to lead a life of piety, sincerity, and devotion to Allah. It compels us to align our hopes and aspirations with the teachings of Islam, seeking to attain the pleasure of Allah and the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. It reminds us to prioritize acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking knowledge, as these are the deeds that will truly benefit us in the life to come.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the brevity and fragility of life. It encourages us to make the most of our time in this world, utilizing it wisely to engage in acts of goodness and benefit for ourselves and others. It prompts us to reflect upon our actions and their consequences, ensuring that we leave a positive impact on those around us.

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

When death arrives, hopes are exposed

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims. It compels us to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life and the certainty of our eventual departure from it. It urges us to prioritize our actions and aspirations in light of the Hereafter, seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the meeting with Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and beneficial for our souls.