Hadith #1472

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 the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

بادِرُوا بِالعَمَلِ عُمْراً ناكِساً

which can be translated as,

Hasten towards [virtuous] actions before old age disables you.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action in performing good deeds, as the passage of time may hinder our ability to do so.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (bādirū) "بادِرُوا" means to hasten or to be quick in doing something. It implies a sense of urgency and promptness in taking action. The word (ʿamal) "عَمَلِ" refers to deeds or actions, encompassing all acts of worship and righteous conduct. Finally, the word (nākisan) "ناكِساً" means to be deficient or weakened. It suggests that old age can diminish our physical and mental capabilities, making it more challenging to engage in virtuous actions.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to seize every opportunity to perform good deeds and not delay them. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148, Allah says,

So hasten to the good deeds. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of promptly engaging in virtuous actions, regardless of our circumstances or location.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to engage in righteous deeds. It reminds us that the true success lies in faith, righteous actions, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize and seize the opportunity to perform good deeds in their youth and prime years. It urges us to reflect on the limited time we have in this world and the potential limitations that old age may bring. By acting swiftly and diligently in performing virtuous actions, we can maximize our potential for spiritual growth and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and foresight of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the importance of utilizing one's youth and physical abilities to engage in acts of worship and service to humanity. He understood that as individuals age, their physical strength and mental acuity may decline, making it more challenging to perform certain actions.

The consequences of neglecting this advice are evident in the lives of many individuals who, in their old age, regret not taking advantage of their youth to engage in righteous actions. By heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, Muslims can avoid such regrets and strive for a life filled with meaningful actions and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to hasten towards virtuous actions before old age disables them. It emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action in performing good deeds, as time is fleeting, and old age may limit our abilities. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this exegesis, we are reminded of the urgency to engage in righteous actions and make the most of our time in this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to seize every opportunity to perform good deeds and earn His pleasure.