Hadith #8339

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَوْدُ الفُرْصَةِ بَعيدٌ مَرامُها۔

which translates to

The return of an opportunity [that is lost] is far off and unlikely.

This Hadith highlights the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities when they arise, as they may not come again.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (return) "عَوْدُ" signifies the possibility of an opportunity coming back after it has been lost or missed. However, the Hadith emphasizes that this return is (far off) "بَعيدٌ" and (unlikely) "مَرامُها". These words convey the idea that once an opportunity is lost, it may be difficult to regain or recreate the same circumstances that allowed for its initial occurrence.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

which translates to

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse reminds us that distractions, such as worldly possessions and responsibilities, can divert our attention from the remembrance of Allah. Similarly, when we are preoccupied with other matters and fail to recognize or seize opportunities that come our way, we may lose out on the chance to gain spiritual or worldly benefits. This aligns with the message of the Hadith, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and proactive in recognizing and utilizing opportunities.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of seizing opportunities is found in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

وَٱلْعَصْرِ، إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ، إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ

which translates to

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 highlights the fleeting nature of time and the importance of utilizing it wisely. It reminds us that the passage of time itself is an opportunity, and those who believe, perform righteous deeds, and encourage one another towards truth and patience are the ones who will be successful. This further emphasizes the significance of recognizing and seizing opportunities as they arise, as time waits for no one.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that opportunities are precious and should not be taken for granted. We must be vigilant and proactive in recognizing and seizing these opportunities, whether they are spiritual, educational, professional, or personal. By doing so, we can maximize our potential and strive towards success in both this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and seize the opportunities that come our way, and may He bless us with success in all our endeavors.