Hadith #1053

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be realistic and practical in our approach towards life. It advises us to not be deceived by false hopes and empty promises, but rather to seize the opportunities that our lifetimes present to us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to strive for excellence in our actions and to be proactive in seeking knowledge and wisdom.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding of its enlightening message. The word (belie) "أكذِبُوا" in the Hadith refers to the act of not placing blind trust in our hopes and aspirations. It reminds us that relying solely on our desires and wishes without taking practical steps can lead to disappointment and unfulfilled dreams. Instead, we should approach our goals with a realistic mindset, understanding that success requires effort, dedication, and perseverance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to (take advantage of your lifetimes) "اغْتَنِمُوا آجالَكُمْ". This phrase emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and making the most of the opportunities that come our way. Our lives are limited, and every moment is precious. We should not waste our time in idle pursuits or procrastination, but rather engage in actions that bring us closer to Allah and benefit humanity.

To support this exhortation, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the significance of time and the need to make the most of it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 verse reminds us that time is a valuable resource, and only those who utilize it for righteous actions and encourage others to do the same will be successful.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further urges us to (perform your best deeds) "بِأحسَنِ أعْمالِكُمْ". This phrase emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in our actions and intentions. It encourages us to go beyond the minimum requirements and to seek perfection in our worship, relationships, and interactions with others. By performing our best deeds, we not only fulfill our obligations but also elevate our spiritual status and draw closer to Allah.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115) supports this notion:

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our existence is not a mere game or coincidence. We have been created with a purpose, and it is our responsibility to fulfill that purpose by performing righteous deeds and seeking closeness to Allah.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (hasten with the hastening of the wise and those endowed with understanding)

وبادِرُوا مُبادَرَةَ اُولِي النُّهى والألبابِ

This phrase emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, wisdom, and guidance from those who possess it. It encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of knowledge and to seek the company of the learned and wise individuals who can guide us on the right path.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28) supports this idea:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions and seeking their guidance and support in our journey towards Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be realistic, proactive, and diligent in their approach towards life. It encourages us to not be deceived by false hopes but instead to seize the opportunities that our lifetimes present. By performing our best deeds and seeking knowledge from the wise, we can strive for excellence and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives.