Hadith #1478

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative in various aspects of our lives. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (mahal) "مَهَلِ", which means "opportunity" or "time." It refers to the period of our lives that is still ahead of us, the time that we have yet to live. This word reminds us that our lives are limited, and we must make the most of the time we have been given.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us in the Quran about the transient nature of this world and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah 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 ayah highlights the urgency of utilizing our time for acts of righteousness and guidance.

The second word to analyze is (al-baqiyyah) "البَقِيَّةِ", which means "the remaining" or "the rest." It refers to the portion of our lives that is still ahead of us. This word reminds us that we should not be complacent or procrastinate, but rather take the initiative to make the most of the time that is left.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115),

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

This ayah serves as a reminder that our lives have a purpose and that we will be held accountable for how we spend our time.

The third word to explore is (al-mashiyyah) "المَشيَّةِ", which means "volition" or "will." It refers to our ability to act and make choices in accordance with our own free will. This word highlights the importance of taking the initiative and not waiting for things to happen on their own.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of free will and the responsibility that comes with it. In Surah Al-Insan (76:3), Allah says,

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

This ayah reminds us that we have been given the ability to choose between gratitude and ingratitude, and we should use our free will to make choices that are pleasing to Allah.

The fourth word to examine is (at-tawbah) "التَّوبَةِ", which means "repentance." It refers to the opportunity we have to turn back to Allah and seek His forgiveness for our sins. This word reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, we always have the chance to repent and seek forgiveness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly invites us to repent and assures us of His forgiveness. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), Allah says,

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This ayah serves as a reminder that no matter how grave our sins may be, Allah's mercy is always greater, and we should seize the opportunity to repent.

The final word to explore is (al-hawbah) "الحَوبَةِ", which means "misdeeds" or "sins." It refers to the actions and choices that we have made in the past, which may have been contrary to the teachings of Islam. This word reminds us that we have the possibility to rectify our past mistakes and seek forgiveness for our sins.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to seek forgiveness and turn away from our sins. In Surah An-Nisa (4:17), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly gone far astray.

This ayah reminds us that no matter how grave our sins may be, Allah's forgiveness is always within reach if we sincerely repent and turn back to Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to take the initiative in various aspects of our lives. It reminds us of the importance of utilizing our time wisely, making choices in accordance with our free will, seeking repentance for our sins, and striving to rectify our past mistakes. By reflecting on the meanings of this Hadith and pondering over the relevant Quranic verses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of taking the initiative in our lives as Muslims. May Allah guide us all to make the most of the opportunities He has bestowed upon us and grant us the ability to seek His forgiveness.