Hadith #1138

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ بَلَغَ غايَةَ أمَلِهِ فَلْيَتَوَقَّعْ حُلُولَ أجَلِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limits of our hopes and aspirations, and understanding that death is an inevitable reality that awaits us all.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (balagha) "بَلَغَ" means to reach or attain, while (ghayah) "غايَةَ" refers to the end or limit. (amalihi) "أمَلِهِ" translates to hopes or aspirations, and (falyatawaaqaa) "فَلْيَتَوَقَّعْ" means to expect or anticipate. Finally, (hulool ajlihi) "حُلُولَ أجَلِهِ" signifies the arrival or coming of one's death.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

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

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. It is a journey that each one of us must undertake, regardless of our hopes, dreams, or aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 12-14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

These verses highlight the stages of human creation, emphasizing the transient nature of life. From a mere sperm-drop, we are formed into a complex being, only to return to our ultimate destination - death. This serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we should not become consumed by our worldly desires and ambitions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to be mindful of the fleeting nature of life. When we reach the end of our hopes and aspirations, it is a sign that our time in this world is drawing to a close. Rather than being disheartened, we should embrace this reality and prepare ourselves for the inevitable arrival of death.

This Hadith serves as a powerful motivation to prioritize our spiritual growth and prepare for the hereafter. It reminds us to focus on the eternal aspects of life and not be solely consumed by our worldly pursuits. By recognizing the limits of our hopes and aspirations, we can redirect our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life that awaits us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. It urges us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to prioritize our spiritual growth. By recognizing the limits of our hopes and aspirations, we can redirect our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life that awaits us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a purposeful and fulfilling life, and may He bless us with a peaceful and meaningful end.