Hadith #515

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

ما أقطَعَ (أقْرَبَ ) الأجلَ لِلأمَلِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

How severing death is for hope!

In this exegesis, we will delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (aqta'a) "أقطَعَ" in the Hadith refers to something that is severed or cut off completely. It signifies the finality and irrevocability of an action. The word (aqraba) "أقْرَبَ" means closer or nearer. When combined, these words highlight the abrupt and definitive nature of death in relation to hope.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, as it is through obedience to them that we attain true life, both in this world and the hereafter.

Death, on the other hand, severs our connection with this worldly life and all the hopes and aspirations associated with it. It is a stark reminder of the transient nature of our existence and the impermanence of worldly pursuits. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

When death approaches, all our worldly hopes and aspirations come to an abrupt end. The pursuit of material wealth, fame, and worldly success becomes meaningless in the face of the certainty of death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:26-27),

Does man think that he will be left neglected? Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?

Reflecting on the transient nature of life and the certainty of death should motivate us to redirect our focus towards the eternal and everlasting. It should remind us to prioritize our actions and invest in deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that death is a reality that cannot be escaped. It severs all worldly hopes and aspirations, leaving us with only the deeds we have accumulated in this life. It calls upon us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and the transient nature of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severe and definitive nature of death in relation to our worldly hopes and aspirations. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their actions and invest in deeds that will benefit them in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this life and the hereafter, and guide us to make choices that will lead to eternal success.