Hadith #8063

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنِ اغْتَرَّ بِالمَهَلِ اِغْتَصَّ بِالأجَلِ۔

This can be translated as:

One who is deluded by respite, is tormented by death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ightarra) "اغْتَرَّ" in this Hadith refers to being deceived or deluded by respite. It implies being engrossed in worldly pleasures and becoming heedless of the ultimate reality of death and the Hereafter. This delusion leads one to neglect their spiritual obligations and focus solely on the transient pleasures of this world.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the dangers of being deluded by the temporary nature of this world. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says: (57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like a rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter, there is severe punishment, and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

The phrase (ightassa bil-ajal) "اِغْتَصَّ بِالأجَلِ" in the Hadith means being tormented or afflicted by death. It highlights the consequences of being deluded by the temporary nature of this world. When one becomes too attached to worldly pleasures, they are unprepared for the inevitable reality of death. The suddenness and finality of death can be a source of great torment for those who have neglected their spiritual duties and failed to prepare for the Hereafter.

In the Quran, Allah reminds us of the certainty of death and the importance of preparing for it. In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah says: (67:1-2)

Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent - [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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain vigilant and not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world. It calls upon us to reflect on the transient nature of life and prioritize our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter.

When we become too engrossed in worldly pursuits, we risk neglecting our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. We may become consumed by materialistic desires, seeking immediate gratification without considering the consequences of our actions. This delusion blinds us to the reality of death and the accountability that awaits us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the pursuit of worldly pleasures without considering the ultimate reality of death is a path of self-destruction. It is only through recognizing the temporary nature of this world and prioritizing our spiritual growth that we can find true peace and success.

Let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives and assess whether we have fallen into the trap of being deluded by respite. Are we neglecting our spiritual obligations? Are we prioritizing worldly pursuits over our relationship with Allah and our fellow human beings? Are we prepared for the inevitable reality of death?

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome the delusions of this world and prioritize our spiritual growth. May we strive to live a life of purpose and righteousness, always mindful of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of death. May we seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah, and may He bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.