Hadith #9598

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

شَرُّ ما ضُيِّعَ فيهِ العُمْرُ اللَّعْبُ۔

This translates to:

The worst thing that one’s lifetime can be wasted on is idle sport.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the light of the Quran. Firstly, it is important to understand the key words in this Hadith.

The word (diya'a) "ضُيِّعَ" means to waste or squander. It refers to the act of neglecting or misusing something valuable. In this context, it signifies wasting one's lifetime, which is a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (al-'umr) "العُمْرُ" refers to one's lifetime or the span of one's existence. It encompasses the entirety of a person's life, from birth to death.

Lastly, the word (al-la'b) "اللَّعْبُ" refers to idle sport or frivolous entertainment. It denotes engaging in activities that serve no purpose or contribute nothing of value to one's life or the society.

To comprehend the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and not wasting it on trivial matters.

In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 103:1-3)

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 ayah highlights the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to utilize it for righteous actions. It emphasizes that wasting one's lifetime on idle pursuits leads to loss, while investing it in faith, good deeds, and guiding others towards truth and patience leads to success.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 23:1-3)

Successful indeed are the believers, those who are humble in their prayers, and those who turn away from idle talk.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding idle talk or engaging in frivolous conversations. It encourages believers to focus on meaningful discussions and actions that bring them closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. He warns us about the detrimental consequences of wasting our lifetime on idle sport. Engaging in activities that serve no purpose or contribute nothing of value not only hinders our personal growth but also prevents us from fulfilling our responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and society.

Idle sport can manifest in various forms, such as excessive entertainment, mindless social media scrolling, or indulging in trivial pursuits that do not contribute to our spiritual, intellectual, or emotional well-being. These activities, when done in moderation, may provide temporary relief or relaxation. However, when they become the primary focus of our lives, they distract us from our true purpose and potential.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon how they spend their time. It urges us to prioritize activities that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), benefit our souls, and contribute positively to society. By utilizing our time wisely and engaging in meaningful pursuits, we can fulfill our purpose in this world and attain success in the hereafter.

Let us heed the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to make the most of our lifetime by avoiding idle sport and investing our time in actions that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit humanity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to utilize our time wisely and make every moment count.