Hadith #9922

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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be aware of the inevitability of death and to prepare for the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (da'wah) "دَعْوَةَ" in this Hadith refers to the call or summons. It signifies the call of death, which is a universal reality that every soul will ultimately face. The word (mawt) "مَوْتِ" means death, the cessation of life in this world. It is a reminder that death is an undeniable truth, and it is essential for us to acknowledge its presence and prepare ourselves for it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (asmi'u) "أسْمِعُوا", which means to listen or hear attentively. This emphasizes the importance of being aware and conscious of the call of death. We should not be heedless or negligent towards this reality, but rather, we should actively listen and reflect upon it.

The phrase (adhanakum qabla an yud'a bikum)

آذانَكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ يُدْعى بِكُمْ

translates to

Let your ears hear the call of death before it calls you.

This statement highlights the urgency and significance of being prepared for death before it arrives unexpectedly. It urges us to be proactive in our spiritual journey, striving to improve ourselves and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) before it is too late.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 a creation of Allah, and it serves as a test for us to strive for righteousness and good deeds in order to attain His forgiveness and mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reinforces the reality of death and emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Hereafter, as it is the true and everlasting life.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be mindful of the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our spiritual journey. By being aware of the call of death, we are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek forgiveness, and strive for righteousness. This awareness leads to a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence and the need to prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be attentive to the call of death and to actively prepare for the Hereafter. By reflecting on the meanings of the words in this Hadith and seeking support from relevant Quranic verses, we are inspired to lead a life of righteousness, seeking forgiveness, and striving to attain Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed this call and live a life that pleases Him.