Hadith #9939

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) highlights the profound reality of death and its unimaginable agonies. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their implications in light of the Quran.

The word (laghamarat) "لَغَمَرَات" in the Hadith refers to the intense and overwhelming agonies associated with death. It signifies the immense pain and suffering that one experiences during the process of dying. This word emphasizes the severity and magnitude of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that accompany the transition from this worldly life to the hereafter.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:60-61):

We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone. In that We will change your likenesses and produce you in that [form] which you do not know.

These verses highlight the inevitability of death and the transformative nature of the afterlife. They remind us that death is a decree from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that cannot be escaped. Moreover, they indicate that the process of death involves a profound change in our physical form, as we are resurrected in a manner that is beyond our comprehension.

The Hadith further states that the agonies of death are (afzha'u min an tustaghraqa bisifah)

أفْظَعُ مِنْ أنْ تُسْتَغْرَقَ بِصِفَة

meaning that they are more terrible than can ever be described or comprehended by the intellects of the people of this world. This statement emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the pain and suffering associated with death.

In Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:26-27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

These verses highlight the power and ability of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to resurrect and reassemble our bodies, even to the minutest detail. They remind us that the process of death and resurrection is far beyond the comprehension of human intellect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is drawing our attention to the fact that the agonies of death are beyond our ability to fully understand or articulate. It serves as a reminder for us to reflect upon the temporary nature of this worldly life and to prepare ourselves for the inevitable journey towards the hereafter.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to strive for righteousness and to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to attain a peaceful and blessed transition from this life to the next. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to constantly seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, obedience, and good deeds.

Moreover, reflecting on the agonies of death can lead us to appreciate the blessings and opportunities we have in this life. It can inspire us to make the most of our time, to cherish our relationships, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. It can also serve as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, as we never know when our time in this world will come to an end.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unimaginable agonies of death that surpass the comprehension of human intellect. It serves as a reminder for us to reflect upon the temporary nature of this worldly life and to prepare ourselves for the journey towards the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a righteous life and to attain a peaceful transition to the eternal abode.