Hadith #1133

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الآمال تدني الآجال" which translates to

Hopes bring death closer.

This concise statement holds deep meaning and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (hopes) "آمال" refers to the desires, ambitions, and aspirations that individuals have in their lives. These hopes can range from worldly pursuits to spiritual goals. The word (bring closer) "تدني" signifies the act of bringing something nearer or closer in proximity. And finally, the word (death) "آجال" refers to the appointed time when every soul will depart from this world.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the impermanence of this worldly life and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, filled with distractions and illusions. It warns us against becoming too attached to our desires and ambitions, as they can divert our attention from the ultimate purpose of our existence - to worship Allah and prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that our hopes and aspirations, if not directed towards the obedience of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness, can lead us astray. They can consume our time and energy, distracting us from the remembrance of Allah and neglecting our duties towards Him and our fellow human beings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our ultimate destination is death, and it draws nearer with each passing day. Therefore, it is crucial for us to prioritize our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and contribute to our spiritual growth and the betterment of society.

For example, if our hope is to accumulate wealth, we should strive to earn it through halal means and use it in ways that benefit others. If our hope is to attain knowledge, we should seek it in fields that will enable us to serve humanity and spread goodness. By aligning our hopes with the principles of Islam, we can transform them into acts of worship and means of drawing closer to Allah.

Moreover, reflecting on the transient nature of this life and the inevitability of death can motivate us to prioritize our actions and make the most of our time. It reminds us to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, to mend broken relationships, and to engage in acts of charity and kindness. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes and aspirations are not in vain, but rather serve as a means of attaining eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Hopes bring death closer

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of prioritizing our actions and intentions. By aligning our hopes with the teachings of Islam and using them as a means of drawing closer to Allah, we can ensure that our aspirations contribute to our spiritual growth and the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all to live a life that is pleasing to Him and grant us success in the Hereafter.