Hadith #9927

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

أفْضَلُ تُحْفَةِ المُؤْمِنِ المَوْتُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best gift for a believer is death.

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

The word (tuhfat) "تُحْفَةِ" in this Hadith refers to a gift or present. It signifies something that is given to someone as an expression of love, honor, or appreciation. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that death is the most valuable gift that can be bestowed upon a believer.

To understand the significance of this statement, we turn to the Quran. 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.

This verse reminds us that death is an inevitable reality for every human being. It is a transition from this temporary worldly life to the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Death is the ultimate return to our Creator, where we will be held accountable for our actions. It is the gateway to the eternal reward or punishment that awaits us based on our deeds in this life. Therefore, for a believer who has devoted their life to the worship of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness, death becomes a precious gift.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57),

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

This verse emphasizes the certainty of death and the ultimate return to Allah. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and death is a reminder of our mortality.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further elaborates on the concept of death as a gift for a believer. He highlights that death is a means of liberation from the trials and tribulations of this world. It is an escape from the temptations and challenges that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

Moreover, death is a gateway to the eternal bliss of Paradise. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Insan (76:19),

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

The believers who have lived a life of faith and righteousness will be rewarded with eternal happiness and fulfillment in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this worldly life and to prioritize our preparations for the eternal life to come. He reminds us that death is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a gift from Allah. It is an opportunity to attain the ultimate success and closeness to our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that death is the best gift for a believer. It is a reminder of our mortality, a means of liberation from worldly trials, and a gateway to eternal bliss. As Muslims, we should strive to live a life of faith and righteousness, constantly preparing for the inevitable journey towards our Creator. May Allah grant us the understanding and wisdom to embrace death as a gift and to lead a life that pleases Him.