Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 29

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

إِذَا كُنْتَ فِي إِدْبَارٍ

When you are running away from the world

وَالْمَوْتُ فِي إِقْبَالٍ

and death is approaching,

فَمَا أسْرَعَ الْمُلْتَقَى.

there is no question of delay in the encounter.