Hadith #3184

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

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

طُوبَىٰ لِمَنْ بَادَرَ أَجَلَهُ وَأَخْلَصَ عَمَلَهُ

which translates to,

Blessed is one who anticipates his death and makes his actions sincere.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (bādara) "بَادَرَ" means to anticipate or hasten. (ajalahu) "أَجَلَهُ" refers to one's appointed time of death. And (akhlasa) "أَخْلَصَ" means to make something sincere or pure.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2),

He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse reminds us that death is an inevitable reality, and it is through our actions that we are tested by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156), Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of anticipating the challenges and trials that may come our way, including the ultimate test of death. By preparing ourselves and making our actions sincere, we can attain the blessings and rewards promised by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of anticipating death and ensuring the sincerity of our actions. By doing so, we are constantly reminded of the transient nature of this worldly life and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. This awareness motivates us to prioritize our actions and strive for righteousness.

When one anticipates their death, they become conscious of the limited time they have in this world. This consciousness leads to a sense of urgency in performing good deeds and seeking forgiveness for their sins. It encourages them to make their actions sincere, free from any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains. They strive to please Allah alone, seeking His pleasure and His reward in the Hereafter.

By making our actions sincere, we ensure that they are solely dedicated to pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure. This sincerity transforms our deeds into acts of worship, elevating their value and significance in the sight of Allah. It also protects us from the dangers of hypocrisy and insincerity, which can undermine the true essence of our actions.

The consequences of anticipating death and making our actions sincere are profound. Firstly, it instills a sense of purpose and direction in our lives. We become more focused on fulfilling our duties towards Allah and His creation, striving to leave a positive impact on the world. Secondly, it helps us maintain a balanced perspective, as we are constantly reminded of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. This prevents us from becoming attached to materialistic pursuits and encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating our intentions and actions. We should strive to anticipate our death and make our actions sincere, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone. By doing so, we can attain the blessings and rewards promised by Allah, and ultimately, find success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us all to anticipate our death, make our actions sincere, and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.