Hadith #10001

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ وُكِّلَ بِهِ المَوْتُ إجتاحَهُ وأفْناهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever has [the angel of] death given charge over him, is overrun and annihilated by it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (wukkila) "وُكِّلَ" in the Hadith means to be entrusted or given charge over something. In this context, it refers to the angel of death being given charge over a person's soul at the time of their death. The word (ijtahahu) "إجتاحَهُ" means to overrun or overpower, while (afnahu) "أفْناهُ" means to annihilate or destroy completely.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 62:8)

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 the inevitability of death and the fact that it will eventually catch up with every individual. No matter how much one tries to escape or avoid death, it is an inescapable reality that awaits us all. When the angel of death is given charge over a person, it signifies the end of their worldly life and the beginning of their journey into the hereafter.

The Hadith highlights the overwhelming power of death and its ability to completely annihilate a person. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life in this world and the importance of preparing for the eternal life that awaits us. Death is not merely a physical event but a spiritual transition that determines our fate in the afterlife.

In Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 23:99-100)

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret that some individuals may experience at the moment of death, wishing for another chance to do good deeds. However, it emphasizes that once death has come, there is no turning back. The opportunity to do righteous deeds in this world is limited to our earthly existence, and we must seize it before it is too late.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of preparing for death and the hereafter. It urges us to reflect on our actions and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should not be complacent or negligent in our spiritual journey, for death can come upon us unexpectedly and without warning.

This Hadith also highlights the significance of seeking forgiveness and repentance before it is too late. We should constantly strive to improve ourselves and seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness for our shortcomings. By doing so, we can hope for a peaceful and successful transition into the next life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the overpowering nature of death and its ability to completely annihilate a person. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of life in this world and the importance of preparing for the eternal life that awaits us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him and prepare for the inevitable meeting with the angel of death.