Hadith #510

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that we are reflecting upon states,

If you were to think about the closeness of death and its [imminent] arrival, the sweetness of life and its comfort would become bitter for you.

This impactful saying invites us to contemplate the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (fakkartum) "فَكَّرْتُمْ" means to reflect or ponder upon something. It emphasizes the need for deep contemplation and introspection. (qurbil-ajal) "قُرْبِ الأجَلِ" refers to the nearness of death, highlighting the fact that death is not a distant event but rather something that is constantly approaching. (hudurih) "حُضُورِهِ" signifies the arrival or presence of death, emphasizing its certainty and inevitability. Finally, (hulwu al-'aysh wa sururuhu) "حُلْوُ العَيْشِ وَسُرُورُهُ" refers to the sweetness and comfort of life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inevitable reality for every human being. It is a journey that every soul must undertake, regardless of their position or status in this world. Reflecting upon this verse helps us recognize the temporary nature of life and the importance of preparing for the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the true significance of the Hereafter. It reminds us that the true purpose of our existence lies beyond the confines of this temporary world.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By contemplating the nearness of death and its inevitable arrival, the sweetness and comfort of life lose their allure and become bitter. This is because the realization of our mortality and the transient nature of this world prompts us to prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world.

When we truly internalize the reality of death, it serves as a powerful motivator for us to lead a purposeful and righteous life. It compels us to reflect upon our actions, intentions, and priorities. We become more conscious of the consequences of our choices and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This awareness instills in us a sense of urgency to seek forgiveness, engage in acts of worship, and fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation.

Moreover, contemplating the closeness of death helps us detach from the materialistic pursuits that often consume our lives. It enables us to recognize the true value of time and invest it in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter. We become less attached to worldly possessions and more focused on accumulating righteous deeds that will serve as a means of elevation in the afterlife.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for us to reflect upon the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. By contemplating the nearness of death, we are able to transform the sweetness and comfort of worldly life into bitterness, as we prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter. This reflection motivates us to lead a purposeful and righteous life, detach from worldly pursuits, and invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to internalize this enlightening message and live our lives in accordance with His guidance.