Hadith #9961

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to embark on their journey and prepare for death. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking saying, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (tarahhaloo) "تَرَحَّلُوا" in the Hadith means "begin your journey" or "set forth." It signifies the commencement of a physical or spiritual journey, urging Muslims to actively engage in the pursuit of knowledge, self-improvement, and the fulfillment of their responsibilities. This word emphasizes the importance of constantly progressing and moving forward in life.

The phrase (faqad juddabikum) "فَقَدْ جُدَّبِكُمْ" can be translated as

for you have been pushed forward.

It implies that Muslims should not remain stagnant or complacent, but rather be motivated to constantly strive for excellence and growth. This phrase reminds us that life is a continuous journey, and we must actively seek progress and development in all aspects of our lives.

The phrase (wasta'iddoo lilmaut) "واسْتَعِدُّوا لِلْمَوْتِ" means "prepare for death." It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. Muslims are encouraged to reflect upon the reality of death and make the necessary preparations for the hereafter. This preparation involves leading a righteous life, fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation, and seeking forgiveness for our sins.

The phrase (faqad athallakum) "فَقَدْ أظَلَّكُمْ" can be translated as

for it has overshadowed you.

It emphasizes the certainty and nearness of death, which casts its shadow over every individual. This phrase serves as a wake-up call, urging Muslims to be mindful of the limited time they have in this world and to prioritize their actions accordingly.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes the universal reality of death and the importance of preparing for the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah states,

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

This verse highlights the purpose of life and death as a means of testing and evaluating our actions. It reminds us that our ultimate success lies in performing righteous deeds and preparing for the eternal life to come.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the importance of actively engaging in our journey through life, constantly striving for improvement, and preparing for the inevitable reality of death. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages Muslims to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and to prioritize their actions accordingly.

By embarking on a journey of self-improvement, seeking knowledge, fulfilling our responsibilities, and preparing for the hereafter, we can lead a purposeful and meaningful life. Let us heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to make the most of our time in this world, knowing that death is an inevitable reality that awaits us all. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to live a righteous life and prepare for the eternal life to come.