Hadith #8373

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ قَعَدَ عَنِ الفُرْصَةِ أعْجَزَهُ الفَوْتُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who lets an opportunity pass by is crippled by its loss.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and the consequences of neglecting them.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze its key words. The word (furṣah) "فُرْصَةِ" refers to an opportunity or a chance. It signifies a favorable moment or a situation that presents itself for one to benefit from. The word (a'jazahu) "أعْجَزَهُ" means to cripple or disable. It implies that the one who fails to take advantage of an opportunity is weakened or incapacitated by the loss that follows.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of seizing opportunities and the consequences of neglecting them. For instance, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the fleeting nature of time and the importance of utilizing it wisely. It reminds us that if we fail to make the most of our time by engaging in righteous deeds and seeking truth, we will suffer loss.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of seizing opportunities for justice and righteousness, even when dealing with those who may not share our beliefs or values. It encourages us to act with fairness and kindness towards others, regardless of their differences.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the consequences of failing to seize opportunities. When we let an opportunity pass by without taking advantage of it, we not only miss out on potential benefits but also suffer the loss that follows. This loss can manifest in various forms, such as missed chances for personal growth, missed opportunities for success, or even missed moments of spiritual enlightenment.

For example, imagine a person who is presented with the opportunity to acquire knowledge or learn a new skill but chooses to ignore it. By neglecting this opportunity, they not only miss out on the chance to expand their knowledge and abilities but also deprive themselves of the potential benefits and growth that come with it. Similarly, if one fails to seize the opportunity to perform acts of kindness or help those in need, they miss out on the blessings and rewards that accompany such actions.

Furthermore, the consequences of letting opportunities pass by extend beyond the individual. When we fail to seize opportunities for positive change or progress, we may also hinder the development and well-being of our communities and society as a whole. By not taking action when opportunities arise to address social injustices, promote equality, or contribute to the betterment of society, we perpetuate a cycle of stagnation and missed potential.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be proactive and seize opportunities that come their way. It highlights the importance of utilizing time wisely and making the most of favorable moments. By doing so, we can avoid the crippling consequences of neglecting opportunities and instead experience growth, success, and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to recognize and seize the opportunities that come our way.