Hadith #6448

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past. Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (saddiq) "صَدِّقْ" means to attest or affirm the truth. It urges us to acknowledge and accept the truth that has already passed. This implies that we should not only believe in the truth, but also affirm it and act upon it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse emphasizes the importance of being truthful and aligning ourselves with those who are truthful.

The word (ma salafa) "مَا سَلَفَ" refers to what has passed or what has already happened. It encompasses the teachings and actions of the past, including the revelations of the Quran and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It encourages us to reflect upon and learn from the wisdom and guidance of the past. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 13:38)

And We have certainly sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendants. And it was not for a messenger to come with a sign except by permission of Allah. For every term is a decree

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the messengers and their teachings that came before us.

The word (itabir) "اعْتَبِرْ" means to take lesson or derive wisdom. It urges us to learn from the experiences and events that have already elapsed in this world. This includes the historical events, the rise and fall of nations, and the consequences of human actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 12:111)

Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for those of understanding

This verse emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon the stories and lessons from the past.

The phrase (ma mada minad-dunya)

مَا مَضَى مِنَ الدُّنْيَا

refers to what has elapsed or passed from this world. It encompasses the transient nature of worldly affairs and the fleeting nature of life. It reminds us that everything in this world is temporary and will eventually come to an end. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the need to focus on the eternal.

The phrase (ba'daha yushbihu ba'dan) "بَعْضَهَا يُشْبِهُ بَعْضًا" means that one phase of this world resembles another. It implies that the patterns and cycles of life repeat themselves. This can be observed in the rise and fall of civilizations, the repetition of historical events, and the recurrence of human behaviors. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein

This verse highlights the repetitive nature of human thoughts and inclinations.

The phrase (akhiruha lahiqun bi-awwaliha) "آخِرُهَا لَاحِقٌ بِأَوَّلِهَا" means that the end of this world catches up to its beginning. It signifies the inevitability of the Day of Judgment and the ultimate end of this worldly life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 22:7)

And the Hour is coming without any doubt, and Allah will resurrect those in the graves

This verse reminds us of the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the need to prepare for the hereafter.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to acknowledge and affirm the truth that has passed, to learn from the experiences and events of the past, and to recognize the transient nature of this world. It reminds us that the patterns and cycles of life repeat themselves, and that the end of this world is inevitable. By reflecting upon and internalizing these teachings, we can gain wisdom, guidance, and a deeper understanding of our purpose in this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attest to the truth, to learn from the past, and to prepare for the hereafter. May He guide us to follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. Ameen.