Hadith #506

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لِكلِّ امْرِء يَوْمٌ لايَعْدُوهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

For every person there is a day that he shall not go beyond.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep meaning and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith and explore their significance. The word (yawm) "يَوْمٌ" translates to "day" in English. It refers to a specific period of time, a moment that is bound by its own limitations. It is important to note that this word is not limited to the literal 24-hour day, but rather encompasses any significant period or event in one's life.

The phrase (la ya'udu) "لايَعْدُوهُ" can be understood as

not to go beyond.

It implies that there is a limit or boundary that every individual will eventually reach, a point beyond which they cannot progress or extend their actions. This can be interpreted as the end of one's life, the Day of Judgment, or even specific moments in one's life that mark a turning point or a point of no return.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:61),

He is the cleaver of daybreak and has made the night for rest and the sun and moon for calculation. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

This verse reminds us of Allah's control over time and His ability to determine the course of our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

These verses highlight the reality that once death approaches, there is no turning back to rectify our actions. It emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunities we have in this life before it is too late.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. It compels us to contemplate the consequences of our actions and the ultimate accountability we will face on the Day of Judgment.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their actions and make the most of each day, ensuring that they are in alignment with the teachings of Islam. It serves as a motivation to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for righteousness. It reminds us that we cannot afford to procrastinate or delay our efforts towards spiritual growth and development.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reflection of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deep knowledge and wisdom. His profound understanding of the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing every opportunity is evident in his words. It is a testament to his status as the gate of knowledge and the embodiment of wisdom among the Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the finite nature of our existence and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to strive for righteousness in every moment of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the ability to implement them in our daily lives.