Hadith #1483

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 the Muslims to hasten towards good deeds before their deaths and to acquire what will remain for them in the Hereafter, using the resources of this world that will eventually depart from them. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (badiroo) "بادِروُا" in the Hadith means to hasten or to be quick in performing a certain action. It emphasizes the importance of not delaying or procrastinating when it comes to engaging in righteous deeds. This word is derived from the root (bdr) "بدر", which signifies the concept of being prompt and proactive. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also encourages us in the Quran to hasten towards forgiveness and Paradise:

(Quran 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

The word (ajalakum) "آجالَكُمْ" in the Hadith refers to the appointed time of death for each individual. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited and uncertain. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to utilize our time wisely and engage in good deeds before it is too late. We should not be complacent and assume that we have ample time to rectify our actions. The urgency in this Hadith is a call to action, a reminder that we should not delay in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (ibtāʿū mā yabqā lakum bimā yazūl ʿankum)

ابتاعُوا ما يَبْقى لَكُمْ بِما يَزُولُ عَنْكُمْ

which means to purchase or acquire what will remain for us in the Hereafter with the resources of this world that will eventually depart from us. This statement highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of investing in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us:

(Quran 34:39)

But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers.

This verse emphasizes the concept of investing in the cause of Allah, knowing that He will reward us abundantly. The resources we possess in this world are a means for us to acquire everlasting rewards in the Hereafter. We should use our wealth, knowledge, time, and abilities to benefit others and contribute to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. By hastening towards good deeds and utilizing our worldly resources to acquire eternal rewards, we ensure that our efforts are not in vain. We are investing in a future that is everlasting, where our deeds will be weighed and rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to be proactive in their pursuit of righteousness. It urges us to reflect on the temporary nature of this world and the importance of investing in the Hereafter. Let us strive to hasten towards good deeds, utilizing our resources to acquire eternal rewards, and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act upon this advice and guide us on the path of righteousness.