Hadith #9919

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 advises us to continuously remember death and reflect upon what awaits us after death. This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life and helps us prepare for the eternal life to come. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also cautions us against wishing for death unless we have fulfilled the condition for security in the Hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرَ" in Arabic means remembrance or mention. It signifies the act of keeping something in mind and reflecting upon it. In this context, the remembrance of death refers to constantly keeping the reality of death in our thoughts and reflecting upon its implications.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of remembering not only death itself but also what we will face after death. This includes the Day of Judgment, the accountability of our actions, and the eternal consequences of our deeds. By contemplating these realities, we are motivated to lead a righteous life and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran supports the concept of remembering death and the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 reminds us that death is an inevitable reality that every soul will face. It also highlights the importance of preparing for the Day of Resurrection, where our true compensation will be given. The Quran further emphasizes that the life of this world is merely a temporary illusion, and the real purpose lies in striving for the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to wish for death unless we have fulfilled the condition for security in the Hereafter. This condition refers to leading a righteous life, fulfilling our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation, and seeking forgiveness for our sins. Only when we are confident in our preparedness for the Hereafter should we desire death as a means to reunite with our Creator.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of fulfilling the condition for security in the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 15:99)

And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).

This verse reminds us to remain steadfast in our worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) until the certainty of death arrives. It emphasizes the need to continuously strive for righteousness and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) throughout our lives.

Reflecting on this hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that the remembrance of death serves as a powerful motivator for leading a righteous life. It reminds us of the temporary nature of this world and the eternal consequences of our actions. By continuously remembering death and the Hereafter, we are inspired to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for the condition of security in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to remember death and the Hereafter, and may He guide us to fulfill the condition for security in the Hereafter. Ameen.