Hadith #9926

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

ألا مُسْتَعِدٌّ لِلِقاءِ رَبِّهِ قَبْلَ زُهُوقِ نَفْسِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being prepared to meet our Lord before our souls depart from our bodies. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (musta'id) "مُسْتَعِدٌّ" in this Hadith refers to being prepared, ready, or equipped. It implies a state of readiness and anticipation. It is a call to action, urging Muslims to actively prepare themselves for the meeting with their Lord. This preparation encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our beliefs, actions, and intentions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, as it brings life to our souls. It is through obedience to Allah and His Messenger that we can attain spiritual vitality and prepare ourselves for the meeting with our Lord.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

It is He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. It serves as a reminder that we must strive to excel in our deeds and actions in order to be among the best in the sight of Allah. By doing so, we prepare ourselves for the meeting with our Lord, as our deeds will be a reflection of our faith and devotion.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be ready to meet our Lord before our souls depart from our bodies. It serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and unpredictable, and we must seize every opportunity to prepare ourselves for the ultimate meeting with our Creator. This preparation involves nurturing our faith, performing righteous deeds, and constantly seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

Being prepared to meet our Lord before our souls leave our bodies has profound implications for our lives. It instills a sense of urgency and purpose in our actions, motivating us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to constantly seek His pleasure. It encourages us to reflect upon our intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, this Hadith prompts us to contemplate the consequences of being unprepared to meet our Lord. If we neglect our spiritual development and fail to fulfill our obligations, we risk facing the consequences of our negligence in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be prepared to meet their Lord before their souls depart from their bodies. It emphasizes the importance of actively nurturing our faith, performing righteous deeds, and seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah. By doing so, we can ensure that our meeting with our Lord is one of acceptance, mercy, and eternal bliss. May Allah grant us the ability to be constantly prepared for this meeting and may He guide us on the straight path.