Hadith #482

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنَ الآجالِ إنْقِضاءُ السَّاعاتِ

which translates to

The passing of time draws one towards death.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitable reality of death that awaits every individual as time continues to pass.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us reflect upon the words used in the Hadith. The word (ajal) "آجال" refers to appointed or predetermined periods of time. It signifies the limited duration that each individual has in this world. The word (inqidha) "إنْقِضاءُ" means the expiration or the coming to an end of something. In this context, it refers to the passing or the end of the appointed periods of time.

The concept of the passing of time drawing one towards death is beautifully reflected in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 emphasizes the certainty of death for every soul and reminds us that the true compensation and reward for our deeds will be given in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as the enjoyment of delusion, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly pleasures. It is a reminder that the passing of time brings us closer to the ultimate reality of death and the eternal life that awaits us.

Another verse that supports the concept of the passing of time leading to death is found in Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 8:

Say, 'Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do.'

This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how much we try to avoid or escape death, it is an inevitable reality that will eventually meet us. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the transient nature of this worldly life and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the passing of time and the certainty of death. It urges us to prioritize our actions and make the most of the limited time we have in this world. It motivates us to engage in righteous deeds, seek forgiveness, and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we internalize the reality of death and the fleeting nature of this world, it can have a transformative effect on our lives. It compels us to live with purpose, to seek knowledge, to establish strong connections with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and to prioritize our relationships and actions in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, reflecting on the passing of time and the inevitability of death can also serve as a source of comfort and solace during times of hardship and adversity. It reminds us that the difficulties we face in this world are temporary, and that a better and eternal life awaits us in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound reality of the passing of time drawing one towards death. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the certainty of death and the temporary nature of this worldly life. Reflecting on this reality can inspire us to live with purpose, seek forgiveness, and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the significance of time and death, and guide us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.