Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 285

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:

كُلُّ مُعَاجَلٍ يَسْأَلُ الاْنْظَارَ

He whom death overtakes early seeks time

وَكُلُّ مُؤَجَّلٍ يَتَعَلَّلُ بالتَّسْويفِ.

while he whose death is deferred puts forth excuses for postponement (of doing good actions).