Hadith #9440

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,

في كُلِّ وَقْت عَمَلٌ۔

This can be translated into English as,

In every instance there is an action [that should be performed].

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (waqt) "وَقْت" in this Hadith refers to every moment or instance in our lives. It encompasses the present, the past, and the future. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that in every moment, there is an opportunity for us to engage in righteous actions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity to perform good deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (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 verse highlights the significance of utilizing our time wisely by engaging in acts of faith, righteousness, and spreading goodness to others.

Furthermore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable for them. Each action we perform, whether big or small, has an impact on our spiritual growth and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran states in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8),

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.

This verse emphasizes that even the smallest of actions will be brought forth on the Day of Judgment and will be weighed in the scales of justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect on our actions and to constantly strive for self-improvement. We should seize every moment to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and seeking knowledge. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also enhance our spiritual well-being. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse encourages us to actively seek ways to draw closer to Allah and to strive in His cause, which encompasses all righteous actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of being mindful and proactive in our daily lives. We should not let any moment pass by without utilizing it for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Whether it is through acts of worship, acts of kindness towards others, or acts of self-improvement, we should constantly strive to make the most of every opportunity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

In every instance there is an action [that should be performed],

serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims. It urges us to be conscious of our actions, to seize every moment, and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can fulfill our purpose as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to make the most of every moment and to continuously seek His pleasure.