Hadith #8577

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, "جاوِرِ(جاوِزِ) القُبُورَ تَعْتَبِرْ۔" This can be translated as,

Stay near (or pass by) the graves and you will learn a lesson.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jawir) "جاوِرِ" or (jawiz) "جاوِزِ" in the Hadith refers to staying near or passing by the graves. It implies that one should not avoid visiting or being in the vicinity of graves, but rather, should actively engage with them. This could involve visiting the graves of loved ones, contemplating the reality of death, and reflecting upon the lessons that can be learned from the deceased.

The Quran provides us with several verses that emphasize the importance of contemplating death and the lessons it teaches us. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that death is an inevitable reality that every soul will experience. It highlights the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. By staying near or passing by graves, we are reminded of the temporary nature of our existence and the need to prepare for the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the purpose of our existence, which is to be tested by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our actions and deeds. By staying near or passing by graves, we are reminded of the accountability we will face for our actions in the afterlife. It serves as a motivation to strive for righteousness and to make the most of our time in this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to learn lessons from the graves. When we visit or pass by graves, we are confronted with the reality of death and the fragility of life. This reflection can have profound consequences on our outlook and behavior.

Firstly, it reminds us to prioritize our actions and focus on what truly matters. We are reminded of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of investing in the hereafter. This reflection can motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek forgiveness, and strive for righteousness.

Secondly, contemplating death can foster a sense of humility and gratitude. When we witness the final resting place of others, we realize the blessings and opportunities we have been granted in our own lives. This realization can lead to a greater appreciation for the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a desire to utilize them in a way that pleases Him.

Lastly, staying near or passing by graves can cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion. It reminds us of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. This awareness can encourage us to be more compassionate towards others, to mend broken relationships, and to prioritize acts of kindness and service to humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of staying near or passing by graves to learn valuable lessons. By contemplating death and reflecting upon the transient nature of life, we are motivated to prioritize our actions, cultivate gratitude, and develop empathy towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to learn from the graves and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.