Hadith #7593

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

إنَّ عُمْرَكَ وَقْتُكَ الَّذي أنْتَ فيهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily your lifetime is the time which you find yourself in.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the value and significance of time in our lives.

The word (umrak) "عُمْرَكَ" refers to one's lifetime or the duration of one's existence. It encompasses the span of years, months, days, and moments that an individual experiences from birth until death. It is a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should not be taken for granted.

The word (waqtuk) "وَقْتُكَ" translates to "your time" or

the time which you find yourself in.

It signifies the specific period or era in which a person lives and carries out their actions. It encompasses the opportunities, challenges, and circumstances that shape an individual's life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of time and its proper utilization. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (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 make the most of it. It reminds us that the true success lies in faith, righteous actions, and mutual guidance towards truth and patience. Similarly, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah says, (Quran 23:1-7)

Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers and who turn away from idle talk, who pay the Zakat, and who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed - But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors.

These verses emphasize the importance of utilizing our time in acts of worship, fulfilling our obligations, and avoiding idle talk and sinful behavior. They remind us that our time on this earth is limited and should not be wasted on pursuits that do not bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our lifetime is the only time we have to make a meaningful impact in this world and to prepare for the eternal life hereafter. It urges us to reflect upon how we are utilizing our time and to prioritize actions that will bring us closer to Allah and benefit our fellow Muslims.

By understanding the value of time, we can motivate ourselves to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for personal and spiritual growth. We should seize every opportunity to make a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others, for we do not know when our time will come to an end.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith reminds us that time is a precious resource that should not be wasted. It encourages us to reflect on our priorities, actions, and the legacy we leave behind. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and to use it in a manner that pleases Him.