Hadith #9920

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of constantly remembering death and being prepared for it. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرَ" in the Hadith refers to remembrance or mindfulness. It implies actively keeping death in our thoughts and reflecting upon its inevitability. This remembrance serves as a powerful motivator for us to lead a righteous life and prepare for the hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the transient nature of this worldly life, saying, (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:35)

Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.

This verse highlights the certainty of death and the temporary nature of our existence in this world. By remembering death, we are reminded of the impermanence of worldly pleasures and are motivated to prioritize our eternal life.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions the suddenness of death, symbolized by the phrase (ma tahjimu 'alayhi) "مَا تَهْجِمُ عَلَيْهِ". This phrase emphasizes the unexpected nature of death, which can come upon us at any moment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran, (Surah An-Nahl, 16:61)

And when their specified time comes, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward.

This verse reminds us that death is predetermined and beyond our control. Therefore, it is crucial to always be prepared for its arrival.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be on guard against death and to prepare ourselves for it. This preparation involves leading a righteous life, fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation, and seeking forgiveness for our sins. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life of piety and surrendering to Allah's will, so that we may meet death in a state of submission.

By constantly remembering death and preparing for it, we are able to live a purposeful life. The awareness of our mortality motivates us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to strive for righteousness. It helps us detach from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Moreover, the remembrance of death instills humility, gratitude, and a sense of urgency in our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to increase their mindfulness of death and to be prepared for its arrival. By remembering death, we are able to lead a righteous life, prioritize our relationship with Allah, and strive for eternal success. May Allah grant us the ability to remember death and live a life that pleases Him.