Hadith #502

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the inevitability of death and to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly desires. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-ajal) "الأجَلَ", which refers to death or the appointed time of death. It signifies the end of one's worldly life and the transition to the eternal life in the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to (sabiqu) "سابِقُوا", which means to anticipate or hasten towards something. In this context, it implies that we should be proactive in preparing for death and not delay in seeking righteousness and good deeds.

To further understand the importance of anticipating death, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and it is through our actions and deeds that we will be judged. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be prepared for the inevitable end of our worldly existence.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life in the Hereafter. By anticipating death and recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly hopes and desires, we can redirect our efforts towards securing a place in the everlasting abode of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and the purpose of their existence. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited and that we should not be complacent in our pursuit of righteousness. By actively preparing for death and striving to excel in good deeds, we can ensure that our hopes and aspirations are not cut short when death inevitably comes upon us.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he was blessed with immense knowledge and insight into the teachings of Islam. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, urging us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and to constantly strive for spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to anticipate death and not be deceived by the fleeting nature of worldly hopes and desires. By actively preparing for the Hereafter and striving for righteousness, we can ensure that our hopes are not cut short when death comes upon us. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed this advice and live our lives in accordance with His guidance.