Hadith #111

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate. We seek His blessings and peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إِضَاعَةُ الْفُرْصَةِ غُصَّةٌ۔" which translates to

To miss an opportunity brings about grief.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of seizing opportunities that come our way and warns of the consequences of letting them slip away.

The word (i'daatu) "إِضَاعَةُ" refers to the act of losing or missing something. It implies negligence or failure to take advantage of a given opportunity. The word (al-fursah) "الْفُرْصَةِ" means an opportunity or a chance. It signifies a favorable circumstance that can lead to growth, success, or improvement.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities in several verses. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:20)

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward

This verse reminds us that our worldly possessions and relationships are tests from Allah, and we should not let them distract us from seeking opportunities for spiritual growth and earning rewards.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah states, (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 make the most of it. It emphasizes the importance of faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Reflecting on these Quranic verses, we can understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Life is a series of opportunities, and each opportunity presents a chance for growth, improvement, and earning rewards from Allah. When we fail to seize these opportunities, we experience a sense of grief and regret, as we realize the potential benefits we have missed out on.

For example, imagine a Muslim who has the opportunity to perform Hajj but chooses to delay it year after year. Eventually, when they realize the importance and significance of this pilgrimage, they may feel a deep sense of grief and remorse for not taking advantage of the opportunity earlier. The same can be applied to other acts of worship, seeking knowledge, or engaging in acts of kindness and charity.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be proactive and vigilant in recognizing and seizing opportunities that come their way. It encourages us to be mindful of the fleeting nature of time and to prioritize actions that bring us closer to Allah and benefit our own souls and the society at large.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seizing opportunities and warns of the grief that comes with missing them. It reminds us to be proactive, mindful of time, and prioritize actions that bring us closer to Allah and benefit our own souls. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to recognize and seize the opportunities that come our way, and may He protect us from the grief of missed opportunities.