Hadith #1324

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the three important times in the life of a believer. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (yunaji) "يُناجي", which means to whisper or have an intimate conversation with someone. In this context, it refers to the believer's private moments of supplication and communication with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This is a time when the believer seeks closeness to Allah, pouring out their heart and seeking His guidance and mercy. The Quran emphasizes the importance of such intimate conversations with Allah in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 186:

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

The second word is (yuhasibu) "يُحَاسِبُ", which means to assess or take oneself into account. It refers to the believer's introspection and self-evaluation, where they critically analyze their actions and intentions. This is a time for self-reflection and accountability, where the believer assesses their adherence to the teachings of Islam and strives for self-improvement. The Quran encourages self-accountability in Surah Al-Hashr, Ayah 18:

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow.

In another narration, the second time is described as a time for (yurammu) "يُرَمُّ", which means to make arrangements or plan for one's livelihood. This highlights the importance of the believer's responsibility to provide for themselves and their family in a lawful manner. It reminds us that seeking sustenance is not separate from our spiritual journey, but rather an integral part of it. The Quran emphasizes the importance of earning a lawful livelihood in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Ayah 51:

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

The third word is (yukhalli) "يُخَلِّي", which means to freely enjoy or indulge in something. In this context, it refers to the believer's permissible and pleasurable activities. Islam does not discourage enjoying the lawful pleasures of life, as long as they are within the boundaries set by Allah. The Quran acknowledges the importance of enjoying what is lawful and pleasant in Surah Al-A'raf, Ayah 32:

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.'

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying in this Hadith reminds us of the balance that a believer should strive for in their life. It highlights the importance of maintaining a strong connection with Allah through intimate supplication, self-reflection and accountability, and enjoying the permissible pleasures of life. By engaging in these three times, the believer ensures a holistic approach to their spiritual, personal, and social well-being.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the motivation behind each of these times. The time for whispering to Allah motivates the believer to seek guidance, mercy, and closeness to the Creator. The time for self-assessment motivates the believer to constantly strive for self-improvement and adherence to the teachings of Islam. The time for enjoying what is lawful and pleasant motivates the believer to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah and to find joy within the boundaries of Islam.

The consequences of engaging in these three times are profound. The believer who regularly engages in intimate conversations with Allah will find solace, guidance, and a deep sense of spirituality in their life. The believer who takes themselves into account will constantly strive for self-improvement, leading to personal growth and a stronger connection with Allah. The believer who enjoys what is lawful and pleasant will find contentment and gratitude, leading to a balanced and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the three important times in the life of a believer: whispering to Allah, self-assessment, and enjoying what is lawful and pleasant. By engaging in these times, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah, strive for self-improvement, and find joy within the boundaries of Islam. May Allah guide us all to implement these teachings in our lives and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.