Hadith #2039

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sacrificing one's life for the sake of Allah and facing death with courage and tranquility. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The first word of the Hadith is (Tayyiboo) "طيبُوا", which means "give up" or "sacrifice." It implies willingly letting go of something valuable or dear. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to give up their lives for the sake of Allah, to sacrifice their worldly desires and attachments in order to attain the pleasure of Allah.

The next word is (An) "عَنْ", which means "from" or "away." It signifies distancing oneself from something. In this Hadith, it implies distancing oneself from the love of this worldly life and its temptations. It urges Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and focus on the eternal life to come.

The word (Anfusikum) "أنْفُسِكُمْ" means "your lives" or "yourselves." It refers to the essence of our being, our souls, and our existence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is calling upon Muslims to willingly sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah, to dedicate themselves completely to His cause without hesitation or reservation.

The next phrase is (Nafsan) "نَفْساً", which means "a soul" or "a life." It emphasizes the individual nature of the sacrifice, highlighting the personal responsibility each Muslim has to give up their own life for the sake of Allah. It is a reminder that this sacrifice is not limited to a collective effort, but rather a personal commitment to Allah.

The final phrase is (Imshoo ila al-mawti mashyan sajhan)

امْشُوا إلَى المَوْتِ مَشْياً سَجْحاً

which translates to

walk towards death with ease.

This phrase signifies the manner in which Muslims should approach death. It encourages Muslims to face death with courage, tranquility, and steadfastness in their faith. It implies that death should not be feared, but rather embraced as a natural transition towards the eternal life promised by Allah.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:169),

And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.

This verse highlights the eternal life and reward that awaits those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah. It reassures Muslims that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a higher and everlasting existence.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:154), Allah says,

And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, 'They are dead.' Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.

This verse emphasizes the spiritual and eternal life of those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah. It reminds Muslims that although they may physically depart from this world, their souls continue to live on, and their sacrifice is not in vain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exhortation to give up our lives willingly and walk towards death with ease serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of selflessness and sacrifice in the path of Allah. It calls upon Muslims to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. By sacrificing our lives for the sake of Allah, we demonstrate our unwavering faith and commitment to Him.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to be prepared to face any challenges or hardships that may come their way. It encourages us to be steadfast in our faith and to approach death with courage and tranquility, knowing that it is a gateway to a higher and eternal existence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to willingly sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah and to face death with ease. It emphasizes the importance of detaching ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world and focusing on the eternal life to come. By sacrificing our lives for the sake of Allah, we demonstrate our unwavering faith and commitment to Him. May Allah grant us the strength and courage to embody the teachings of this Hadith and to walk towards death with ease.