Hadith #9966

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ نَسِيَ المَوْتَ وهُوَ يَرى مَنْ يَمُوتُ۔

This can be translated as,

I am amazed at the one who forgets death while he sees others dying [around him].

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of remembering death and the transient nature of this worldly life.

The word (nasiya) "نَسِيَ" in the Hadith means "to forget." It refers to the act of neglecting or overlooking something. In this context, it signifies forgetting the reality of death and its inevitability. The word (mawt) "مَوْتَ" means "death," which is the cessation of life in this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at those who forget about death despite witnessing others around them passing away. This statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the fleeting nature of life and to prepare for the eternal life to come.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of remembering death and the transient nature of this worldly life. 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 reminds Muslims that death is an inevitable reality that every soul will experience. It also highlights the temporary nature of this worldly life, which is merely a delusion and a means of testing. Therefore, it is essential for believers to remember death and prioritize the preparation for the eternal life in the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret of those who neglect the remembrance of death and fail to do righteous deeds in this world. It emphasizes that once death approaches, it will be too late to rectify one's actions. Therefore, Muslims are urged to seize the opportunity of this life to engage in acts of righteousness and prepare for the eternal life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their mortality and the transient nature of this worldly life. It reminds us to prioritize our actions and strive for righteousness, as death can come upon us at any moment. By remembering death and the inevitability of our own passing, we are motivated to live a life of purpose, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to remember death and live a life of righteousness. May He guide us to make the most of our time in this world and prepare for the eternal life to come. Ameen.