Hadith #9933

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the state of a person who is absent, physically or spiritually, from the path of righteousness. The Imam uses the metaphor of being driven forward by the succession of the new night and day, indicating that such a person is constantly moving away from the truth and is in need of a quick return.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (gha'iban) "غائِباً" refers to someone who is absent or distant. This can be understood in both a physical and spiritual sense. It signifies a state of being disconnected from the path of guidance and righteousness. The Imam emphasizes that this person is continuously driven forward by the new night and day, meaning that time is passing and they are moving further away from the truth with each passing moment.

The phrase (lahariyun bisur'ati al-awbah) "لَحَرِيٌّ بِسُرْعَةِ الأوْبَةِ" is translated as

worthy of a quick return.

The word (lahariyun) "لَحَرِيٌّ" denotes something that is deserving or worthy, while (bisur'ati) "بِسُرْعَةِ" means with speed or haste. The term (al-awbah) "الأوْبَةِ" refers to a return or a coming back. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the urgency and importance of returning to the right path without delay.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:16),

Has not the time come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?

This verse reminds us that the believers should not delay in turning to Allah and submitting themselves to His guidance.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

This verse highlights the importance of disassociating oneself from falsehood and returning to the truth, even if it means facing animosity and opposition.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be vigilant and aware of the passing of time. We should not allow ourselves to be driven further away from the path of righteousness. Instead, we must strive to return to the truth with urgency and haste. Just as the night and day continuously succeed one another, so too should our efforts to rectify ourselves and seek Allah's forgiveness.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to constantly evaluate their actions and intentions. It encourages us to reflect on our spiritual state and make a conscious effort to return to the path of guidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to recognize our shortcomings and seek His forgiveness, and may He guide us all to the straight path.