Hadith #9967

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he expresses his astonishment at those individuals who witness the gradual decline of their physical bodies and the passing of their days, yet fail to prepare themselves for the inevitable reality of death. The Imam's words highlight the importance of recognizing the transient nature of life and the need to actively prepare for the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (I am amazed) "عَجِبْتُ" signifies the Imam's astonishment and disbelief at the behavior of such individuals. It conveys his surprise at their lack of awareness and preparation for the ultimate reality of death. The term (decreasing) "يُنْقَصُ" refers to the gradual decline and deterioration of one's physical body and the passing of time. It serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and that every passing moment brings us closer to our inevitable end.

To further elucidate the importance of preparing for death, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the certainty of death and the need to focus on the eternal life of the hereafter. It reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this worldly life are temporary and illusory. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Muslim to prepare for the everlasting life that awaits us after death.

Another verse that resonates with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2):

It is He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence and the test that Allah has placed upon us. We are given a limited time on this earth to demonstrate our faith and righteousness through our actions. It serves as a reminder that death is not the end, but rather a transition to the eternal life where our deeds will be weighed and judged.

Imam Ali's words serve as a wake-up call for all Muslims. They remind us to reflect upon the transient nature of life and to actively prepare for the hereafter. The Imam's amazement stems from the fact that despite witnessing the gradual decline of their bodies and the passing of their days, some individuals fail to make the necessary preparations for death.

Preparing for death entails various aspects, including seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, repenting for sins, and constantly striving to improve oneself. It involves cultivating a deep awareness of the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. This awareness should motivate us to prioritize our actions and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

Failure to prepare for death can have dire consequences. It can lead to a life filled with regret and missed opportunities for spiritual growth. Conversely, actively preparing for death can bring about a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that one has lived a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to actively prepare for the inevitable reality of death. It calls upon us to reflect upon the transient nature of life and to prioritize our actions in light of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the necessary preparations for death and to lead a life that is pleasing to Him.