Hadith #9954

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily you are all running away from the death which will take you if you remain steadfast [to resist it] and will catch up with you if you [try to] flee.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (turada') "طُرَدَاءُ" refers to running away or fleeing. It signifies the natural inclination of humans to avoid death and the fear associated with it. (al-mawt) "المَوْتِ" means death, the inevitable end that every living being will face. The word (aqamtum) "أقَمْتُمْ" means to remain steadfast or to resist. It implies the idea of facing death with courage and acceptance. On the other hand, (farartum) "فَرَرْتُمْ" means to flee or escape, indicating the futile attempts to avoid death.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:50),

And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.'

This verse reminds us that death is an inevitable reality, and those who deny the truth will face a painful punishment in the afterlife.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of fleeing from death is found in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do.'

This verse emphasizes that no matter how much we try to escape death, it will eventually catch up with us. It also highlights the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has full knowledge of everything, both seen and unseen, and He will hold us accountable for our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that death is an inevitable part of life. It is a reality that we cannot escape, no matter how much we try. Therefore, it is crucial for us to prepare ourselves for the inevitable meeting with death. We must strive to lead a righteous life, fulfilling our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of facing death with courage and steadfastness. Instead of running away from death, we should embrace it as a natural part of our journey towards the hereafter. By remaining steadfast in the face of death, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) decree and our submission to His will.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited and that we should not become attached to its fleeting pleasures. Instead, we should focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it. It urges us to face death with courage and steadfastness, knowing that it is a natural part of our journey towards the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to prepare for death and lead a righteous life.