Hadith #9470

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of time and the inevitable passage of life for all individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the present generation to those who have come before, emphasizing that time does not discriminate and will pass for everyone, just as it has for those who have already departed from this world.

The Arabic word (dahr) "دَهْر" in the Hadith refers to time or the passing of time. It signifies the temporal nature of this worldly life and the continuous flow of events and experiences. The word (baqeen) "باقين" means those who remain or those who are still alive. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is addressing the people of his time and reminding them that they too will eventually pass away, just like those who have already departed.

To support this understanding, we find several Quranic verses that emphasize the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that what has passed will not return, and what exists in the present will not remain forever. This highlights the impermanence of worldly possessions, relationships, and experiences. It serves as a reminder that attachment to the material world is futile, as everything in it is transient and subject to change.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) supports this notion, stating,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the actions and deeds of the present generation are no different from those who came before. This highlights the cyclical nature of human behavior and the repetition of historical patterns. Despite advancements in technology and civilization, the fundamental nature of human beings remains unchanged.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Rum (30:41) supports this understanding, stating,

Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by highlighting the challenges and hardships that accompany the passage of time. He mentions hardship, annihilation, pillage, and war as constant companions of those who navigate the complexities of life. This serves as a reminder that life is not meant to be a smooth journey, but rather a test of faith and perseverance.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155) supports this notion, stating,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound reflection on the transient nature of time and the inevitable passage of life for all individuals. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that attachment to the material world is futile, and that true success lies in preparing for the eternal life of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the fleeting nature of this world and the strength to strive for success in the Hereafter.