Hadith #9606

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of time management and balance in our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that our night and day are insufficient to fulfill all our needs, and therefore, we should divide our time between work and relaxation.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (laylaka) "لَيْلَكَ" means "your night" and (naharak) "نَهَارَكَ" means "your day." These words refer to the limited time we have in a day, which is divided into day and night. The word (layasta'wiban) "لايَسْتَوْعِبَانِ" means "are not enough" or "cannot contain." This implies that the limited duration of our day and night is insufficient to fulfill all our needs and desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to divide our time between (amalika) "عَمَلِكَ" which means "your work" and (rahatika) "رَاحَتِكَ" which means "your relaxation." This division of time is crucial for maintaining a balanced and productive lifestyle. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations while also taking time for rest and rejuvenation.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115),

Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. We are not created in vain, but rather, we have been given a limited time on this earth to fulfill our duties and strive towards the ultimate goal of returning to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes the value of time and the need to utilize it for righteous actions and seeking knowledge. It reminds us that time is a precious resource and wasting it can lead to loss and regret.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that managing our time effectively is essential for leading a purposeful and balanced life. By dividing our time between work and relaxation, we can fulfill our responsibilities while also taking care of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This division allows us to maintain productivity, avoid burnout, and find time for worship, family, and personal growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, provides us with practical guidance on time management. He encourages us to prioritize our tasks, set realistic goals, and allocate time for rest and rejuvenation. By following his advice, we can strike a harmonious balance between our worldly obligations and our spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of time management and balance in our lives. It urges us to divide our time between work and relaxation, ensuring that we fulfill our responsibilities while also taking care of our well-being. By following this guidance, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, utilizing our time in the most effective and beneficial manner. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to manage our time wisely and seek His pleasure in all our endeavors.