Hadith #517

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ الدَّواءُ الأجَلُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

What an excellent cure death is!

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the positive aspect of death, which may seem paradoxical to some.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (dawaa) "دَوَاء" means "cure" or "remedy," while (al-ajal) "الأجَلُ" refers to "death" or "appointed time." It is important to note that the word "الأجَلُ" is derived from the root word "جَلَّ" which means "to fix" or "to determine." Hence, death is the appointed time fixed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for every living being.

Now, let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death for every human being. Death is a universal truth that no one can escape. It is a natural and necessary part of our existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. Then indeed, after that you are to die.

These verses highlight the process of human creation and the subsequent reality of death. We are created from a humble origin, and through the stages of development, we eventually become a complete human being. However, death is the ultimate destination for all of us. It is a natural progression in the cycle of life, ordained by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Now, coming back to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), when he says,

What an excellent cure death is!

he is highlighting the positive aspects of death. Although death is often associated with sorrow and loss, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that it is also a means of relief and liberation from the trials and tribulations of this world.

Death serves as a cure for the pains and sufferings that we experience in this transient life. It is a gateway to the eternal life in the Hereafter, where believers will be rewarded for their righteous deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

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 reminds us that this world is a place of trials and challenges. Death, therefore, becomes a means of liberation from these difficulties and a gateway to eternal bliss.

Moreover, death is a reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life. It serves as a wake-up call for us to reflect upon our purpose and priorities. It prompts us to strive for righteousness and to prepare for 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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

What an excellent cure death is!

reminds us of the positive aspects of death. It serves as a reminder of our ultimate destination and the transient nature of this worldly life. Death is a means of relief from the trials and tribulations of this world and a gateway to eternal bliss in the Hereafter. It prompts us to reflect upon our purpose and priorities, and to strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the connotation of this Hadith and to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.