Hadith #2084

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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought. It highlights the inevitability of death, the futility of pursuing what is not destined for us, and the consequences of debasing oneself.

Let us begin by examining the important words in this Hadith. The word (sabiq) "سابِق" means to outrun or surpass, while (ajalak) "أجَلَكَ" refers to one's appointed time of death. (marzooq) "مَرْزُوقِ" signifies that which is provided or allotted to an individual. Finally, (shaqi) "شَقِيُّ" translates to wretched or miserable.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 2:

It is He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the purpose behind it - to test our actions and deeds in this worldly life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 88, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgement, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse reminds us that we cannot acquire anything that is not destined for us, as everything is under the control and ownership of Allah alone.

Now, let us delve into the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

Verily you cannot outrun your death.

This serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inevitable reality that no one can escape. It is a certainty that awaits each and every one of us, regardless of our status, wealth, or power. This statement encourages Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter.

The Imam then continues,

nor acquire that which is not for you.

This part of the Hadith highlights the futility of chasing after that which is not destined for us. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that our sustenance and provisions are predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and no amount of effort or striving can change what has already been decreed for us. This encourages us to be content with what we have and to trust in Allah's divine wisdom and plan for our lives.

Finally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) poses a thought-provoking question,

so why do you debase yourself O wretched one?!

This question serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and choices. By engaging in futile pursuits and debasing oneself, an individual not only wastes their precious time and energy but also distances themselves from the path of righteousness and piety. This question serves as a reminder to Muslims to strive for self-improvement, to avoid engaging in sinful behavior, and to focus on actions that will bring them closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world, the inevitability of death, and the futility of pursuing that which is not destined for us. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter, to be content with what Allah has provided for us, and to avoid engaging in actions that debase ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to internalize the profound teachings of this Hadith and to live our lives in accordance with His divine will.