Hadith #175

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الرَّحِيلُ وَشِيكٌ۔" which translates to

The departure (from this world) is imminent.

This concise statement holds connotation and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our existence in this world.

The word (ar-rahil) "الرَّحِيلُ" refers to the act of departing or leaving. It signifies the journey of the soul from the worldly realm to the eternal realm of the hereafter. This departure is not a distant event, but rather something that is (washiq) "وَشِيكٌ۔", meaning it is near and impending. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of death, urging us to reflect upon the purpose of our lives and the actions we undertake.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resonates with several Quranic verses that highlight the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. 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.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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

Reflecting on these verses, we realize that death is an undeniable reality that awaits each and every one of us. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we must strive to make the most of it by engaging in righteous deeds and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims, urging us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and the actions we undertake. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to prepare for the inevitable journey that lies ahead.

When we internalize the imminent nature of our departure from this world, it motivates us to live a life of purpose and righteousness. We become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. We are motivated to seek forgiveness for our sins, to mend broken relationships, and to engage in acts of charity and kindness.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions in the hereafter. It reminds us that our deeds will be accounted for and that we will be recompensed accordingly. This reflection serves as a source of motivation to engage in acts of worship and to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "الرَّحِيلُ وَشِيكٌ۔" serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of our existence in this world and the certainty of death. It urges us to reflect on the purpose of our lives, to prioritize our spiritual growth, and to engage in righteous deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to live a life of purpose and righteousness, and may He grant us a good end in the hereafter.