Hadith #8366

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

لاتَنْفَعُ العُدَّةُ إذا مَا انْقَضَتِ المُدَّةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Preparation does not benefit when the time has elapsed.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and can be understood in the light of the Quran.

One important word in this Hadith is (al-'uddah) "العُدَّةُ", which refers to preparation or readiness. It signifies the act of making necessary arrangements or taking precautionary measures in anticipation of a future event or situation. The other significant word is (al-muddah) "المُدَّةُ", which means the allotted or specified time period.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting the divine decree and the distribution of provisions and blessings. It teaches us that each individual has their own share of what they have earned, and it is not beneficial to desire what others possess. This verse emphasizes the concept of contentment and the futility of longing for what is beyond our allotted time and provisions.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:60)

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

This verse encourages believers to make necessary preparations for defense and protection in times of conflict. However, it also reminds us that our preparations will only be beneficial within the specified time and circumstances. Once the time has elapsed or the situation has changed, our preparations may no longer serve their intended purpose.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can now delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This Hadith serves as a reminder that while it is important to make preparations and take necessary precautions in life, we must also be mindful of the transient nature of time and the limitations of our preparations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is highlighting the need for balance and understanding in our approach to preparation. He reminds us that our preparations should be aligned with the divine plan and within the boundaries of our allotted time. If we become too attached to our preparations and fail to adapt to changing circumstances, our efforts may become futile and ineffective.

For example, in the context of personal goals and aspirations, it is essential to make preparations and work diligently towards achieving them. However, if we become fixated on a specific outcome and refuse to accept the passage of time or the changing circumstances, our preparations may lose their value. It is crucial to remain adaptable and open to new opportunities that align with the divine plan.

Similarly, in matters of faith and spirituality, we must prepare ourselves by seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and cultivating good character. However, if we delay our repentance or procrastinate in fulfilling our religious obligations, thinking that we can make up for it later, we may find ourselves regretting when the time has passed. Our preparations for the hereafter must be made in the present moment, as we do not know when our time in this world will come to an end.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to make necessary preparations in life while remaining mindful of the transient nature of time. It urges us to strike a balance between making preparations and accepting the divine decree. By aligning our preparations with the boundaries of our allotted time and remaining adaptable to changing circumstances, we can ensure that our efforts are fruitful and beneficial. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make the most of our preparations and the ability to accept His divine plan.