Hadith #9484

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا ضَمانَ عَلَى الزَّمانِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no guarantee on time.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us first explore the key words used. The word (damān) "ضَمانَ" refers to a guarantee or assurance. It implies a sense of security and certainty. The word (az-zamān) "الزَّمانِ" refers to time or the passage of time. It encompasses the past, present, and future.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transient and unpredictable nature of time. It reminds us that we cannot rely on the stability or permanence of any situation in this world. Time is constantly changing, and circumstances can shift unexpectedly. This understanding aligns with the teachings of the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the impermanence of worldly affairs in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

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 fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and possessions. Just as a plant withers and dies, the pleasures and material gains of this world are temporary. They cannot provide lasting security or guarantee our ultimate success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah states,

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 that death is inevitable for every soul. Our true reward and recompense will be granted in the Hereafter, not in this temporary world. The life of this world is described as a mere illusion, a fleeting enjoyment that can deceive us if we become too attached to it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. It encourages us to focus on our spiritual growth, preparing for the Hereafter, and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should not become complacent or rely solely on the stability of worldly circumstances.

This understanding has profound implications for our lives. It motivates us to strive for righteousness and to fulfill our obligations as Muslims, regardless of the challenges or uncertainties we may face. It reminds us to place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, seeking His guidance and relying on His mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also encourages us to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change. It reminds us that our plans and expectations may be disrupted by the unpredictable nature of time. Therefore, we should be prepared to adjust our course, seek alternative solutions, and trust in Allah's wisdom and decree.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

There is no guarantee on time,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the transient and unpredictable nature of this world, urging us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. By recognizing the impermanence of worldly affairs, we are motivated to focus on our spiritual growth, fulfill our obligations, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate the challenges of time and strive for success in the Hereafter.