Hadith #493

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الأجل حصن حصين" which translates to

The appointed time of death is an impenetrable fortress.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the certainty and inevitability of death, emphasizing that it is a fixed and unalterable decree from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us about the reality of death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57, Allah says, (Quran 29:57)

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

This verse affirms the universal truth that death is an inevitable reality that every individual will experience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 12-14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 23:12-14)

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 development, from the initial creation of man to his ultimate transformation into a fully formed being. They serve as a reminder of the intricate and precise process through which Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) brings life into existence. Just as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has complete control over the creation and development of human beings, He also has complete control over the appointed time of their death.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

The appointed time of death is an impenetrable fortress,

serves as a reminder that no matter how much we may try to avoid or delay death, it is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a decree that cannot be altered or escaped. This understanding should motivate us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and prioritize our actions accordingly.

Knowing that death is a certainty should encourage us to lead a life of righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It should serve as a reminder to make the most of our time in this world, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and striving to perform good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. The impenetrable fortress of death should awaken us from the slumber of heedlessness and prompt us to prepare for the eternal life that awaits us.

Reflecting on this Hadith also reminds us of the profound knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the reality of death and its significance in the journey of the soul serves as a guiding light for all Muslims. It is a reminder that true knowledge is not limited to the acquisition of worldly information but encompasses a deep understanding of the spiritual realities that shape our existence.

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

The appointed time of death is an impenetrable fortress,

reminds us of the certainty of death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. It serves as a call to action, urging us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and prioritize our actions accordingly. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and prepare for the eternal life that awaits us.