Hadith #5167

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he was asked about the distance between the east and the west. In response, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) eloquently stated,

It is a day's journey for the sun.

This statement holds deep wisdom and insight, which can be understood by reflecting upon the words used and examining the teachings of the Quran.

The word (masafati) "مَسَافَةِ" in the Hadith refers to the distance or span between two points. It signifies the physical measurement of the space between the east and the west. The word (mashriq) "مَشْرِقِ" refers to the east, where the sun rises, and the word (maghrib) "مَغْرِبِ" refers to the west, where the sun sets. These terms are commonly used in the Quran to describe the geographical directions.

To understand the significance behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) response, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:17), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And you would have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their cave, and when it set, passing away from them to the left, while they were in the open space thereof. That was from the signs of Allah. He whom Allah guides is rightly guided, but he whom He leaves astray - never will you find for him a protecting guide.

This verse describes the incident of the People of the Cave, who sought refuge in a cave and were protected by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for a long period of time. When the sun rose, it declined to the right of their cave, and when it set, it passed away from them to the left. This indicates that the distance between the rising and setting of the sun can be observed within the span of a day.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) response,

It is a day's journey for the sun,

aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It signifies that the distance between the east and the west can be traversed by the sun within the duration of a day. This implies that the distance between the two points is not insurmountable or immeasurable, but rather within the realm of the sun's movement.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the vast knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the natural world and his ability to provide insightful answers demonstrate his exceptional intellect and deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the greatness of Allah's creation and His ability to encompass all things within His divine plan. The sun's journey from east to west is a testament to the precision and order in the universe, which is a reflection of Allah's wisdom and power.

Secondly, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the world around us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed a deep knowledge of various disciplines, including astronomy, geography, and philosophy. His teachings encourage us to explore and learn about the natural world, as it is a means of gaining a deeper appreciation for Allah's creation.

Lastly, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world. Just as the sun rises and sets, our lives are also fleeting. It is a call to reflect upon the passing of time and to utilize our days in the pursuit of righteousness and the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) regarding the distance between the east and the west provides us with profound insights into the nature of the universe and our place within it. By examining the words used and referencing the teachings of the Quran, we can appreciate the wisdom and knowledge encapsulated in this concise statement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge, understand His creation, and reflect upon the signs He has placed in the world around us.