Hadith #7590

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

إحْذَرُوا ضِياعَ الأعْمارِ فيما لايَبْقى لَكُمْ، فَفائِتُها لايَعُودُ۔

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of how they spend their lifetimes. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep wisdom and knowledge, advises us to avoid wasting our precious time on things that will not benefit us in the long run.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (diya'a) "ضِياعَ" means wasting or squandering. It refers to the act of using something in a careless or unproductive manner. In this context, it signifies the misuse of our lifetimes. The word (a'mar) "أعْمارِ" refers to our lifetimes or the span of our existence. It encompasses the years, months, days, and moments that make up our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious about wasting our lifetimes (fima la yabqa lakum) "فيما لايَبْقى لَكُمْ", meaning in things that will not remain for us. This phrase emphasizes the importance of investing our time in activities that have lasting value and benefit. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly pursuits and to prioritize actions that have eternal rewards.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Asr, Chapter 103, Verse 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 fleeting nature of time and emphasizes the importance of utilizing it wisely.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that material possessions and worldly attachments are temporary, while the good deeds we perform are what truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on the consequences of wasting their lifetimes. When we engage in activities that do not bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) or contribute to our spiritual growth, we are squandering the precious time we have been granted. This can lead to regret and a sense of loss when we realize that the moments we have wasted can never be regained.

On the other hand, if we make a conscious effort to utilize our time in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, and performing righteous deeds, we will find ourselves on a path of eternal benefit and reward. By prioritizing actions that have lasting value, we can ensure that our lifetimes are not wasted.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to reflect on the choices they make in their daily lives. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to strive for excellence in all that we do. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to utilize our lifetimes in a manner that pleases Him and brings us closer to Him.