Hadith #3722

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed, the only share of the earth for every one of you is the length and breadth of his own stature, [of the grave] wherein he would lie on his cheeks covered with dust.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and the ultimate reality of death.

Let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith. The word (share) "حَظُّ" refers to the portion or allocation that is given to each individual. It signifies the limited and temporary nature of worldly possessions. The word (earth) "أرض" represents the physical realm in which we live, encompassing both the material and the spiritual aspects of our existence. The phrase (length and breadth) "ذاتِ الطُّولِ والعَرضِ" emphasizes the limited space that each person occupies in this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further elucidates that this share is confined to the dimensions of one's own stature. It implies that our worldly possessions, achievements, and status are only relevant within the boundaries of our own physical existence. Once we depart from this world, these worldly attachments hold no value.

To emphasize the inevitability of death and the transient nature of this worldly life, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the grave, where every individual will eventually lie. The phrase (covered with dust on his cheeks) "مُتَعَفِّراً على خَدِّهِ" symbolizes the return of our physical bodies to the earth, as we are reduced to mere dust.

This Hadith aligns with several Quranic verses that emphasize the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate reality of death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

These verses remind us that the material possessions and achievements we accumulate in this world are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of enjoyment and adornment during our limited time on earth. The true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is through seeking His pleasure and preparing for the eternal life that we can attain true success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter over worldly attachments. It encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this life and the inevitability of death. By recognizing the limitations of our worldly existence, we can strive to invest our time and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and the strength to prioritize the pursuit of the hereafter. May we strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare ourselves for the eternal abode.