Hadith #9433

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "السّاعاتُ تُنَقِّصُ الأعْمارَ۔" This Hadith can be translated as "Hours diminish lifetimes." To understand the connotation behind this statement, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (as-sa'at) "السّاعاتُ" refers to hours or moments. It represents the passing of time, which is an essential aspect of our existence. Time is a precious resource that we often take for granted. It is a constant reminder of our mortality and the limited span of our lives.

The word (tunaqqisu) "تُنَقِّصُ" means to diminish or reduce. It signifies the gradual decrease or depletion of something. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the diminishing of (al-a'mar) "الأعْمارَ", which means lifetimes or the duration of our lives.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Asr (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 Quranic verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely. It highlights the fleeting nature of life and the urgency to engage in righteous actions. The hours that pass by continuously diminish our lifetimes, and it is only through faith, good deeds, and sincere advice that we can make the most of this limited time.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us of the purpose of our existence and the accountability we will face in the Hereafter. Our lives are not meant to be spent in vain or wasted on trivial matters. Every passing hour is an opportunity for us to strive towards our ultimate purpose, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for our return to Him.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize the importance of valuing and utilizing our time effectively. Each hour that passes by brings us closer to the end of our lives. Therefore, it is imperative for us as Muslims to be conscious of how we spend our time.

We should strive to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and contribute positively to society. By doing so, we can make the most of the hours that diminish our lifetimes. We should also be mindful of avoiding activities that waste our time or lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith of the fleeting nature of our lives. He urges us to seize the moment and make the most of our time in this world. By doing so, we can strive towards attaining success in both this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to utilize our time wisely and make the most of the hours that diminish our lifetimes. May He enable us to engage in righteous actions and seek His pleasure in all that we do. Ameen.