Hadith #5515

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When your black [hair] becomes white, your best [part of life] has passed away.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life.

Let us delve into the words used in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aswaduka) "أسْوَدُكَ" refers to the color black, specifically referring to the hair turning gray or white with age. The word (mata) "ماتَ" means to die or to pass away. And the word (atyyabuka) "أطْيَبُكَ" means the best or the most pleasant.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:11)

And among mankind is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of steadfastness in worshiping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that if we are solely focused on the transitory joys of this world, we are at a loss in both this life and the Hereafter. Similarly, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that when our physical appearance starts to show signs of aging, it is a reminder that the best part of our life has passed.

Another verse that complements the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr, where 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 verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in righteous deeds. It reminds us that the true success lies in faith, good deeds, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that as time passes and our physical abilities decline, we should reflect on whether we have utilized our time in the pursuit of righteousness and the betterment of ourselves and others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a motivation for us to make the most of our youth and prime years. It encourages us to seize the opportunities presented to us and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. By recognizing that the best part of our life is passing, we are motivated to prioritize our actions and make choices that align with our values and goals.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of neglecting our spiritual growth and focusing solely on worldly pursuits. It serves as a wake-up call to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to invest in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter. It prompts us to reflect on whether we are utilizing our time and abilities in a manner that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earn His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the passage of time and the transient nature of life. It urges us to reflect on the choices we make and the priorities we set, reminding us that the best part of our life is passing. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny, we can strive for excellence and ensure that our time is well-spent in the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make the most of our lives and to seek His pleasure in all that we do.