Hadith #9921

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

اِسْتَعِدُّوا لِلْمَوْتِ فَقَدْ أظَلَّكُمْ

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves for death, as it is an inevitable reality that will eventually overshadow us all.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ista'iddoo) "اِسْتَعِدُّوا" comes from the root word (isti'adaad) "اِسْتِعْدَاد", which means to prepare or make ready. It implies a sense of readiness and anticipation for something significant. In this context, it refers to preparing ourselves mentally, spiritually, and practically for the eventuality of death.

The word (lil-mawt) "لِلْمَوْتِ" means for death. It refers to the cessation of our worldly existence and the transition to the next life. Death is a natural part of the human experience, and it is essential for us to acknowledge its certainty and prepare ourselves accordingly.

The phrase (faqad athallakum) "فَقَدْ أظَلَّكُمْ" can be translated as

for indeed it overshadows you.

The word (athallakum) "أظَلَّكُمْ" comes from the root word (thill) "ظِلّ", which means shadow. It signifies the looming presence of death, always following us and ready to overtake us at any moment. This phrase serves as a reminder that death is an ever-present reality, and we must be prepared for its arrival.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 185:

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 highlights the inevitability of death and the ultimate accountability that awaits us in the Hereafter. It emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of preparing for the eternal life to come. Just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prepare for death, the Quran reinforces this message, urging us to prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Mulk, Ayah 2:

It is 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 (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serves as a test for us. It is through our actions and deeds that we are evaluated, and our preparation for death plays a crucial role in determining our ultimate success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that preparing for death is not merely a morbid or pessimistic outlook on life. On the contrary, it is a call to live a purposeful and meaningful existence, constantly aware of our mortality and striving to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

By preparing for death, we become more conscious of our actions, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and striving to improve ourselves. It motivates us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings, ensuring that we leave a positive impact on the world around us.

Moreover, the awareness of death helps us detach from the materialistic pursuits of this world, recognizing that true success lies in the eternal life to come. It encourages us to invest in acts of charity, kindness, and righteousness, knowing that these are the deeds that will accompany us beyond the grave.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prepare themselves for the inevitable reality of death. By understanding the deeper meanings of this Hadith and reflecting on the supporting Quranic verses, we are motivated to lead purposeful lives, constantly aware of our mortality, and striving for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prepare for death and lead righteous lives.