Hadith #1065

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) advises us to

reduce our hopes, fear the suddenness of death, and hasten towards performing good deeds.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within these words, exploring their meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the words used in this Hadith. The term (reduce) "قَصِّرُوا" implies the need to moderate our expectations and desires in this worldly life. It encourages us to avoid excessive attachment to material possessions and worldly ambitions, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

This notion of reducing our hopes is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

(Quran 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.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pursuits and urges us to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By reducing our hopes in this life, we can redirect our energy towards seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to

fear the suddenness of death.

This serves as a reminder of the uncertainty and unpredictability of our lifespan. Death can come upon us at any moment, without warning or prior notice. This notion is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 11:

(Quran 10:107)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

This verse highlights the absolute control of Allah over our lives and the inevitability of facing adversity and death. By recognizing the suddenness of death, we are motivated to constantly strive for righteousness and to mend our ways before it is too late.

Lastly, the Hadith urges us to

hasten towards performing good deeds.

This emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in righteous actions and seeking opportunities to benefit others. The Quran beautifully encapsulates this concept in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

(Quran 2:148)

For each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse encourages us to compete in performing good deeds, regardless of our circumstances or location. It reminds us that Allah is aware of our efforts and will gather us all together for judgment. Therefore, we should seize every opportunity to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and worship, striving to excel in righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reduce their attachment to worldly desires, fear the suddenness of death, and hasten towards performing good deeds. By aligning our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran, we can attain spiritual tranquility, prepare for the Hereafter, and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.