Hadith #7642

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

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims to take immediate action in the service of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He begins by emphasizing the urgency of the situation, comparing it to a neck that is free from the noose and a spirit that is unfettered. These words highlight the fleeting nature of life and the opportunities that are available to us in the present moment.

The Imam then mentions the period of guidance, which refers to the time when the message of Islam is accessible and the path to righteousness is clear. This is a reminder to seize the opportunity to act in accordance with Allah's guidance, as it may not always be available to us. The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Hijr, verse 56, where Allah says,

And We have not created the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the importance of taking action while our bodies are at ease and our lives lie ahead. This highlights the fact that our physical and mental capabilities may diminish with time, making it more challenging to fulfill our obligations and seek repentance. Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 12,

O you who have believed, turn to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds.

The Imam also mentions the concept of free will, which is a gift from Allah that allows us to make choices and take responsibility for our actions. This free will provides us with the opportunity to seek repentance and rectify our misdeeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns us of the consequences of delaying our actions. He mentions the possibility of being overtaken by straitened circumstances, distress, fear, and weakness. These are the hardships and challenges that may arise in life, which can hinder our ability to fulfill our duties and seek closeness to Allah. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

Furthermore, the Imam mentions the anticipated hidden one, referring to the Angel of Death, who will come to take our souls at the appointed time. This serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the limited time we have in this world to fulfill our obligations. Allah says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57,

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

Finally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the seizing of the Almighty, the Omnipotent. This highlights the power and authority of Allah, who has the ability to seize our souls at any moment. It serves as a reminder that we should not delay in our actions, as we do not know when our time will come. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 50,

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to act now in the service of Allah, before it is too late. It emphasizes the urgency of the present moment, the importance of seeking repentance, and the consequences of delaying our actions. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to act in accordance with His guidance and to make the most of the opportunities He has bestowed upon us.