Hadith #7608

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 limited knowledge that human beings possess regarding the duration of their lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that no one can truly know the remaining time they have to live, except for a Prophet or a man of truth.

Let us delve into the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qadr) "قَدْرَ" refers to the estimation or measurement of something. In this context, it signifies the knowledge or awareness of the remaining lifespan. (ma baqiya) "ما بَقِيَ" means "what is left" or "what remains." It emphasizes the portion of life that is yet to be lived.

To comprehend the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-A'raf (7:34),

And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].

This verse emphasizes that every individual has a predetermined lifespan, known only to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder that our lives are finite and that we should make the most of the time we have been granted.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

It is He who created you from clay and then decreed a term and a specified time [known] to Him; then [still] you are in dispute.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate creator and controller of time. He has determined the duration of our lives, and it is beyond our comprehension.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes the limited knowledge that human beings possess regarding the future. It serves as a reminder of our vulnerability and the uncertainty of life. We may plan and strive for the future, but ultimately, it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who holds the knowledge of our remaining time.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us to be humble and acknowledge our limited understanding of the future. We should not become arrogant or boastful about our plans or achievements, as we do not have control over the duration of our lives.

Secondly, this Hadith encourages us to prioritize our actions and make the most of the time we have been given. We should strive to engage in righteous deeds, seek knowledge, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We must seize the opportunity to do good, as we do not know when our time will come to an end.

Lastly, this Hadith highlights the exceptional knowledge possessed by Prophets and individuals of truth. Prophets, being chosen by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), are granted divine knowledge, including knowledge of the future. Similarly, individuals of truth, who possess deep spiritual insight and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), may also be blessed with glimpses of the future.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of our limited knowledge and the uncertainty of life. It encourages us to be humble, prioritize our actions, and make the most of the time we have been granted. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the value of time and the ability to utilize it in the pursuit of righteousness.