Hadith #1476

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) states:

بادِرْ شَبابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ، وصِحَّتَكَ قَبْلَ سُقْمِكَ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to take the initiative and make the most of our youth and health before they fade away.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (Badir) "بادِرْ" means to be proactive, to take the lead, and to seize opportunities. (Shababaka) "شَبابَكَ" refers to one's youth, a time of strength, energy, and vitality. (Qabla) "قَبْلَ" means before or prior to. (Haramika) "هَرَمِكَ" signifies old age, a time when physical abilities diminish. (Sihtaka) "صِحَّتَكَ" refers to one's health, a state of well-being and vitality. (Suqmika) "سُقْمِكَ" denotes illness or infirmity, a time when one's physical condition deteriorates.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This ayah reminds us that the life of this world is temporary and fleeting. Our youth and health are precious gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and we must utilize them wisely before they fade away. Just as a rain brings forth lush vegetation, our youth and health are opportunities for growth and productivity. However, just as the rain eventually dries up and the plants wither, our youth and health will eventually decline.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says in Surah Al-Asr (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 emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity of our youth and health to engage in righteous deeds and seek the truth. It reminds us that time is a precious resource, and if we do not make the most of it, we will be at a loss. By taking the initiative in our youth and health, we can strive to fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be proactive and not delay our good deeds until old age or illness befalls us. Our youth is a time of strength, energy, and enthusiasm, which enables us to accomplish great things. By utilizing our youth, we can engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, contribute to society, and establish a strong foundation for our future.

Similarly, our health is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that allows us to perform our daily activities and fulfill our obligations. By taking care of our physical and mental well-being, we can actively participate in acts of worship, serve others, and make a positive impact on society.

If we neglect the opportunities presented by our youth and health, we may find ourselves regretting missed chances and unfulfilled potential. We should not wait until old age or illness restricts our abilities and limits our options. Instead, we should seize the present moment and make the most of the time and resources that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be proactive and take advantage of their youth and health before they fade away. By utilizing these blessings, we can engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, contribute to society, and establish a strong foundation for our future. Let us reflect upon this profound wisdom and strive to make the most of our youth and health in the service of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act upon this advice and lead a life of purpose and righteousness.