Hadith #9428

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he reflects upon the passage of time and the fleeting nature of our lives. The Imam begins by remarking on the speed at which the hours pass in a day. Indeed, it is a common experience for us as Muslims to feel that time slips away from us, as if the hours are racing by. This observation serves as a reminder of the importance of utilizing our time wisely and making the most of every moment.

The Imam then moves on to reflect on the passing of days within a month. Just as the hours seem to fly by, so too do the days within a month. This highlights the transient nature of our existence and the need to make the most of each day, for we do not know when our time in this world will come to an end. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 90:4-18)

And We have certainly created man to toil and struggle. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? He says, 'I have spent wealth in abundance.' Does he think that no one has seen him? Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery. And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. Those are the companions of the right.

The Imam further emphasizes the fleeting nature of time by noting how quickly months pass within a year. Just as the days seem to slip away, so too do the months. This serves as a reminder that our lives are passing by rapidly, and we must be mindful of how we spend our time. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(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.

Finally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reflects on the swift passage of years within a lifetime. This highlights the brevity of our existence on this earth and the need to make the most of the time we have been given. It is a reminder that our lives are finite, and we must strive to leave a positive impact on the world and prepare for the eternal life to come. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 55:26-27)

Everyone upon the earth will perish, And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of valuing and utilizing our time wisely. We should strive to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and perform good deeds, for these are the investments that will benefit us in the hereafter. We should also be mindful of our relationships with others, offering support, kindness, and compassion. Let us take heed of the passing of time and make the most of every moment, for it is through our actions in this fleeting life that we will earn the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make the most of our time and lead lives that are pleasing to Him.