Hadith #1155

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

طُوبى لِمَنْ قَصَّرَ أمَلَهُ واغْتَنَمَ مَهَلَهُ۔

This Hadith translates to:

Blessed is he who shortens his hopes and makes good use of his time.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings. The word (qassara) "قَصَّرَ" means to shorten or reduce, while (amalahu) "أمَلَهُ" refers to hopes or aspirations. The word (ightanama) "اغْتَنَمَ" means to make good use of or seize an opportunity, and (mahalahu) "مَهَلَهُ" refers to time or period.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of managing our hopes and aspirations wisely, and utilizing our time effectively. It encourages us to be content with what we have and not to excessively long for worldly desires. By shortening our hopes, we are reminded to focus on the present moment and make the most of it.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the concept of shortening hopes and making good use of time. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse reminds us that patience and prayer are essential in managing our hopes and desires, as they help us maintain a balanced perspective and seek contentment in the present moment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 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 importance of utilizing our time wisely by engaging in righteous deeds and seeking truth. It reminds us that time is a precious resource, and we should not waste it on trivial matters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious choices in managing our hopes and aspirations. By shortening our hopes, we avoid excessive attachment to worldly desires and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This does not mean that we should abandon our ambitions or goals, but rather, we should approach them with moderation and balance.

Making good use of our time involves utilizing it for acts of worship, seeking knowledge, serving others, and engaging in beneficial activities. It reminds us that every moment is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. By seizing these opportunities, we can make a positive impact on ourselves and society.

Let us consider an example to illustrate the significance of this Hadith. Imagine a person who constantly yearns for material possessions and worldly achievements. They spend their time chasing after these desires, neglecting their spiritual development and the well-being of others. As a result, they may find themselves trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and discontentment.

On the other hand, a person who shortens their hopes and focuses on utilizing their time for acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving others experiences a sense of fulfillment and contentment. They understand that true success lies in the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the well-being of humanity. They prioritize their actions based on the teachings of Islam and strive to make a positive impact in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to shorten our hopes and make good use of our time. It encourages us to prioritize our actions based on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt. By managing our hopes and aspirations wisely, and utilizing our time effectively, we can attain true success and contentment in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.