Hadith #9429

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Days are the pages of your lifetime so eternize [or bind] them with your best deeds.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ayyam) "أيّام" in Arabic refers to days, which are the fundamental units of time. Each day is like a page in the book of our lives, where our actions and deeds are recorded. Just as a book is composed of pages, our lives are composed of days. This analogy emphasizes the significance of each day and the importance of utilizing it wisely.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to "eternize" or "bind" our days with our best deeds. This means that we should make the most of our time by engaging in righteous actions that will have a lasting impact. Our days should not be wasted or squandered, but rather utilized to accumulate good deeds that will benefit us in this world and the hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the value of time and the importance of utilizing it for good. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 fleeting nature of time and the urgency to make the most of it. It emphasizes that the only way to avoid loss is through faith, righteous actions, and enjoining others to truth and patience. By utilizing our days for good deeds, we can protect ourselves from the loss mentioned in this verse.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 90:4)

And We have certainly created man to struggle.

This verse reminds us that our purpose in life is to strive and exert effort in the path of Allah. Each day presents us with an opportunity to engage in this struggle and strive for excellence in our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a motivation for us to constantly improve ourselves and strive for excellence. By binding our days with our best deeds, we are encouraged to continuously seek personal growth and development. This involves not only performing obligatory acts of worship, but also going above and beyond in acts of kindness, charity, and service to others.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our actions. Just as the pages of a book are a reflection of its contents, our days are a reflection of our deeds. The choices we make and the actions we take on a daily basis shape our character and ultimately determine our fate. By eternizing our days with good deeds, we are ensuring a positive outcome and a favorable record in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the value of time and the importance of utilizing it for good. Each day is an opportunity for us to eternize our lives by engaging in righteous actions that will have a lasting impact. By binding our days with our best deeds, we strive for personal growth, seek the pleasure of Allah, and secure a favorable outcome in the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to make the most of our days and fill them with deeds that bring us closer to Him.