Hadith #1100

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

No one lengthens his hopes except that he forgets death and performs evil actions.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (ataala) "أَطَالَ" in Arabic, translated as "lengthens," refers to the act of extending or prolonging something. In this context, it signifies the prolongation of one's hopes and desires. The word (ajala) "أَجَلَ", translated as "death," refers to the inevitable end of every human being. The word (asa'a) "أَسَاءَ", translated as "performs evil actions," refers to engaging in sinful and immoral deeds.

This Hadith highlights the danger of excessive attachment to worldly desires and ambitions, which leads to a neglect of the reality of death and a deviation from righteous actions. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on life, keeping in mind the transient nature of this world and the certainty of death.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of remembering death and the consequences of neglecting it. 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.

This verse reminds us that death is an inescapable reality, and the true reward for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and urges us to prioritize the eternal life to come.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret that individuals will experience at the time of death, wishing for another chance to perform righteous deeds. However, it emphasizes that such a request will be futile, as the opportunity for good deeds will have passed. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to seize the present moment and strive for righteousness before it is too late.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a profound reflection on the human condition. When one becomes overly attached to worldly desires and ambitions, they lose sight of the ultimate reality of death and the importance of performing righteous actions. This forgetfulness leads to a neglect of spiritual growth and a tendency towards sinful behavior.

The consequences of this neglect are twofold. Firstly, it hinders one's spiritual development and distance them from the path of righteousness. Secondly, it leads to a false sense of security and a disregard for the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter.

Therefore, as Muslims, we must strive to strike a balance between our worldly aspirations and our spiritual obligations. We should always keep the reality of death in mind, for it serves as a powerful motivator to engage in righteous actions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes and desires are aligned with the teachings of Islam, leading us towards a life of piety and eternal success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to remember death and the strength to perform righteous actions. May He guide us to lead a balanced life, seeking His pleasure above all else. Ameen.