Hadith #1390

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful saying that carries deep spiritual and metaphorical meanings. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the words "روَيْداً يُسْفِرُ الظَّلامُ" which can be translated as

Slowly! Darkness is disappearing.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be patient and steadfast, as the darkness of ignorance and misguidance will eventually dissipate. This is reminiscent of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-An'am (6:122) where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?

This verse emphasizes the transformation from darkness to light, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to knowledge.

The next part of the Hadith states,

كَأَنْ قَدْ وَرَدَتِ الأظْعَانُ يُوشِكُ مَنْ أَسْرَعَ أَنْ يَلْحَقَ

which can be translated as

as though those who had departed have arrived [at their final destination] and those who hasten will soon join.

This statement highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and the inevitability of death. It reminds us that those who have already departed from this world have reached their final abode, while those who are still alive will soon follow. This concept is beautifully expressed in the Quran in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:15-16) where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a reminder for us to reflect upon the transient nature of this world and to prioritize our actions accordingly. It urges us to focus on the eternal life that awaits us after death and to strive for righteousness and good deeds. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3) echoes this sentiment, stating,

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 verse emphasizes the importance of faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of the brevity of our lives and the urgency to make the most of our time. It encourages us to seize every opportunity to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and strive for personal growth. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-2) beautifully encapsulates this message, stating,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss.

This verse reminds us that time is a precious resource and that we must utilize it wisely in order to avoid loss and regret.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be patient, to prioritize the eternal life over the transient world, and to make the most of our limited time on Earth. It urges us to seek knowledge, engage in righteous deeds, and strive for personal growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the deeper meanings of this Hadith and the ability to implement its teachings in our lives.