Hadith #9940

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a enlightening saying that highlights the certainty of death and the transient nature of this world. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Verily death has been tied to your forelocks.

The word (مَعْقُودٌ) "ma'qood" means "tied" or "bound." This imagery conveys the inescapable reality of death, which is inevitable and certain for every individual. Just as a rope is tied tightly to a person's forelocks, death is a reality that cannot be avoided or evaded. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our existence in this world.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Whilst this world coils behind you.

The word (تُطْوَى) "tawaa" means "to coil" or "to fold." This imagery portrays the fleeting nature of this worldly life, which gradually diminishes and fades away as time passes. It emphasizes that the world is constantly receding and becoming a thing of the past, while death remains ever-present and imminent.

To further understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse affirms the inevitability of death for every soul and reminds us that the true reward and recompense for our deeds will be granted in the Hereafter. It also highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, which are merely temporary and illusory.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid, Ayah 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 the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the transitory nature of material possessions. It likens the pleasures of this world to a fleeting rain that brings temporary growth but eventually withers away. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. It serves as a wake-up call to focus on our spiritual growth, seek forgiveness, and prepare for the inevitable meeting with our Creator.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to live a purposeful life, utilizing our time and resources wisely in acts of worship, kindness, and service to others. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that distract us from our ultimate purpose and to invest in actions that will benefit us in the everlasting life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the certainty of death and the fleeting nature of this world. It urges us to reflect on our priorities, seek forgiveness, and strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the enlightening message of this Hadith and the ability to live our lives in accordance with its teachings.