Hadith #10680

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully compares people to writings on a scroll. He states,

People are like writings on a scroll [of parchment], whenever part of it is rolled up, another part of it is unrolled.

This analogy highlights the continuous cycle of life and the constant change that occurs within society.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words used in this Hadith. The word (sahifah) "صَحيفَة" refers to a scroll or parchment, which was commonly used in the past to write important texts. The word (kaswar) "كَصُوَر" means writings or inscriptions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses these words to symbolize the nature of human existence and the perpetual transformation that takes place.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rum, verse 30:

So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.

This verse emphasizes the unchanging nature of Allah's creation, including human beings. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his Hadith highlights the constant flux and transformation that occurs within society. This apparent contradiction can be resolved by understanding that while the essence of human nature remains the same, individuals and societies undergo continuous changes in their beliefs, actions, and circumstances.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly life and the inevitability of death. Just as parts of a scroll are rolled up and unrolled, people come and go in this world. Each individual's life is like a chapter in the scroll of human history, with their actions and contributions leaving an impact on those who come after them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) analogy also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity. Just as the unrolling of one part of the scroll reveals another, the passing of one generation gives rise to the next. This continuous cycle of life ensures the preservation and transmission of knowledge, experiences, and lessons from one generation to another.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal. The scroll of life is a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we should prioritize actions that will benefit us in the hereafter. It serves as a motivation to seek knowledge, engage in acts of kindness, and leave a positive impact on society, knowing that our time here is fleeting.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully illustrates the ever-changing nature of human existence. It reminds us of the continuous cycle of life, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the transient nature of worldly possessions. By reflecting on this analogy, we are encouraged to prioritize actions that will benefit us in the hereafter and leave a positive legacy for future generations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and apply the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.