Hadith #501

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

سَوْفَ يَأتيكَ أجَلُكَ فَأجْمِلْ في الطَّلَبِ۔

This can be translated as,

Your death will [soon] come to you, so be moderate in what you seek.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ajluka) "أجَلُكَ" in the Hadith refers to one's appointed time of death. It serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. It is a call to reflect upon the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of preparing for the eternal life to come.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the certainty of death in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57:

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

This verse emphasizes the universality of death and the ultimate return to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (be moderate in what you seek) "أجْمِلْ في الطَّلَبِ". The word (ijmil) "أجْمِلْ" comes from the root word (jamala) "جَمَلَ", which means to beautify or adorn. In this context, it signifies seeking that which is good and beneficial, while avoiding excessive desires and worldly attachments.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the significance of being a balanced and just community, not leaning towards extremes.

Being moderate in our pursuits means seeking knowledge, wealth, and success in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam and does not lead to neglecting our spiritual obligations or harming others. It encourages us to strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. This Hadith serves as a motivation to prioritize our actions and intentions, ensuring that we seek that which brings us closer to Allah and benefits us in the hereafter.

By being moderate in our pursuits, we avoid falling into the traps of excessive materialism, greed, and worldly attachments. This moderation allows us to maintain a balanced lifestyle, fulfilling our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and society, while also dedicating time for worship, reflection, and self-improvement.

Moreover, being moderate in what we seek helps us develop a sense of contentment and gratitude. We learn to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoid constantly chasing after worldly desires that can never truly satisfy our souls.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the certainty of death and the importance of moderation in our pursuits. It encourages us to seek that which is beneficial and pleasing to Allah, while avoiding excessive desires and attachments to this temporary world. By following this advice, we can lead a balanced and fulfilling life, preparing ourselves for the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to the path of moderation and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.