Hadith #283

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "كَفَى بِالاَجَلِ حَارِساً۔" which translates to

The fixed limit of life is enough to remain watchful.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious throughout our lives, as the allotted time we have been given is sufficient for us to fulfill our duties and responsibilities.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (ajal) "اَجَلِ" refers to the fixed term or appointed time of life, while (harisan) "حَارِساً" means to be watchful, vigilant, or cautious. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that the predetermined duration of our existence on this earth is enough to serve as a reminder for us to be mindful of our actions and strive towards righteousness.

To further understand the significance of remaining watchful within the limited time we have, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Asr (Chapter 103), 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 ayah highlights the fleeting nature of time and the urgency for humans to engage in righteous actions. It serves as a reminder that the true success lies in faith, good deeds, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. The concept of being watchful and utilizing our time wisely is intertwined with the idea of striving for righteousness and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us of the verse in Surah Al-Mu'minun (Chapter 23), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 23:12-14)

Indeed, We have created man in the best of stature, Then We return him to the lowest of the low, Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for them is an endless reward.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of life and the eventual return to the lowest state, which is death. However, those who believe in Allah and perform righteous deeds will be rewarded with an everlasting reward. It serves as a reminder that our time in this world is limited, and we should utilize it to seek closeness to Allah and engage in actions that will benefit us in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have been granted. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions, to constantly strive for righteousness, and to be cautious of wasting our precious moments. By remaining watchful and utilizing our time wisely, we can fulfill our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings, and ultimately attain success in this life and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious throughout their lives. It highlights the significance of utilizing the fixed term of life to engage in righteous actions and seek closeness to Allah. By reflecting on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of remaining watchful, we can strive towards righteousness and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.