Hadith #5516

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,

Grey hair [of old age] is the last of the promises of annihilation.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the significance of its key words.

Firstly, the term (shayb) "شَّيْبُ" refers to grey hair, specifically associated with old age. It symbolizes the passing of time and the physical manifestation of aging. Secondly, (mawa'id) "مَوَاعِيدِ" translates to "promises" or "appointments," indicating the fixed and predetermined stages of life. Lastly, (al-fana) "الفَنَاءِ" means "annihilation" or "extinction," signifying the ultimate end of life.

To shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 5: (Quran 22:5)

O people, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed - that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as infants, then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind.

This verse emphasizes the stages of human development and the diversity of life experiences. It highlights the journey from infancy to maturity, and ultimately, to old age. The mention of returning to the most decrepit old age serves as a reminder of the frailty and transience of life. It is during this stage that the greying of hair becomes evident, symbolizing the nearing of the end.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 75:3-13)

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips. But man desires to continue in sin. He asks, 'When is the Day of Resurrection?' So when vision is dazzled and the moon darkens and the sun and the moon are joined, man will say on that Day, 'Where is the [place of] escape? No! There is no refuge. To your Lord, that Day, is the [place of] permanence. Man will be informed that Day of what he sent ahead and kept back.

This passage reminds us of the Day of Resurrection, when all of humanity will be gathered and held accountable for their deeds. It emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and the eternal consequences of our actions. The greying of hair, as mentioned in the Hadith, serves as a reminder of our mortality and the need to prepare for the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. It urges us to contemplate the purpose of our existence and to prioritize our actions accordingly. The greying of hair, which is a natural part of the aging process, should serve as a reminder of our limited time in this world and the importance of striving for righteousness and preparing for the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the greying of hair is a sign of the approaching end of our journey in this world. It calls upon us to reflect on the transient nature of life and to prioritize our actions in preparation for the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the deeper meanings of such teachings and guide us on the path of righteousness.