Hadith #9480

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ عانَدَ الزَّمانَ أرْغَمَهُ،وَ مَنِ اسْتَسْلَمَ إلَيْهِ لَمْ يَسْلَمْ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who resists time is compelled by it and one who submits to it is not safe [from it].

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (anaada) "عانَدَ" means to resist or oppose. The word (azzaman) "الزَّمانَ" refers to time or the passage of time. The word (argamahu) "أرْغَمَهُ" means to compel or force. And the word (istaslama) "استَسْلَمَ" means to submit or surrender.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22),

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.

This verse reminds us that everything that happens in this world is predestined by Allah, and no one can escape the passage of time or the trials and tribulations that come with it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes that although we may face challenges and difficulties in life, we have the strength and resilience to overcome them. Resisting time and its challenges can lead to a sense of helplessness and being overwhelmed by the burdens of life.

On the other hand, submitting to the passage of time does not mean resigning oneself to a passive existence. It means accepting the reality of the present moment and adapting to the changes that come with it. Allah says in Surah Al-Rum (30:30),

So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is reminding us of the importance of embracing the flow of time and adapting to its changes. By resisting time, we are fighting against the natural order of the universe and subjecting ourselves to unnecessary hardships. However, by submitting to time, we can find peace and security in the knowledge that everything happens according to the divine plan of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to have a balanced approach towards time. It encourages us to be proactive in facing the challenges of life, while also recognizing the limits of our control. We should strive to make the most of the present moment, seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and maintaining a strong connection with Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of having trust in Allah's wisdom and accepting His decree. It reminds us that our ultimate safety lies in surrendering to the will of Allah and relying on His guidance and protection. By aligning our actions with His commandments and seeking His pleasure, we can find solace and tranquility in the midst of the ever-changing world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of embracing the passage of time and adapting to its changes. It urges us to resist the temptation of fighting against the natural order of the universe and instead submit to the divine plan of Allah. By doing so, we can find peace, security, and guidance in the face of life's challenges. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to live in accordance with His will.